Latest news with #AkhilBharatiyaAkhadaParishad
Hindustan Times
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Distortion': Seers, religious bodies appeal for peace amid Kanwariyas' vandalism
Amid recent incidents of violence reported during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) on Tuesday appealed to devotees to uphold the spiritual sanctity of the age-old pilgrimage and refrain from actions that undermine its religious significance. Kanwariyas carrying holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar on their way back to their hometown in Alwar district, Rajasthan, during the Kanwar Yatra, at National Highway-48 near Rajiv Chowk, in Gurugram.(Hindustan Times) According to data from the Mela Police Force Control Room, over 170 kanwariyas have been booked under charges such as hooliganism, rioting, blocking highways, obstructing police officials, breach of peace, and wrongful restraint, among others, in just five days since the Kanwar Yatra began on July 11. ABAP president Mahant Ravindra Puri expressed dismay at the increasing reports of violence and said the yatra is about 'compassion' and not 'aggression'. 'This is not just a journey; it's a deep act of devotion that dates back to Treta Yug when Lord Parshuram is said to have first brought the Kanwar from Haridwar. Later, Shravan Kumar carried his parents on a Kanwar, symbolising service, sacrifice, and devotion. Kanwariyas must remember they are following the footsteps of such revered figures. This yatra is about compassion and penance, not aggression and chaos, ' he said. Mahamandaleshwar Swami Harichetnanand Maharaj of the Shri Panchayati Naya Bada Udasin Akhada expressed concerns over 'a distortion of the yatra's essence'. He said, '...We are seeing kanwariyas pass Ganga Jal pitchers like batons in a relay race, which is a distortion of the yatra's essence...' Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand high court on Tuesday sought a response from the state's director general of police Deepam Seth and Panchayati Raj Secretary Chandresh Kumar Yadav on how the state plans to manage conducting Panchayat elections at a time when the state is witnessing huge influx of Kanwariyas and prevailing monsoon conditions across the state. Taking serious note of recent incidents of violence reported during the Kanwar Yatra, the court has directed that the response be submitted by Wednesday, when the case will be heard again.
Pink Villa
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is Mamta Kulkarni upset over controversy surrounding her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada? Actress REACTS
Karan Arjun actress Mamta Kulkarni is one of the well-known actresses of the 90s. She recently made headlines after she returned to India after a 25-year-absence and was appointed as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. However, things took an unexpected turn and she had to step down. Now, she opened up about it and shared that her appointment was the result of her dedicated 'tapasya'. Months after the dispute, Mamta Kulkarni opened up about the controversy over her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada for the first time. In a recent conversation with ANI, the Karan Arjun actress shared, 'It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years.' She further added, 'God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened.' For the unversed, Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi announced that Mamta Kulkarni was appointed as the Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada during the Maha Kumbh Mela. As soon as the announcement was made, transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa criticized it citing her involvement in criminal activities in the past. On January 30, 2025, the founder of Kinnar Akhada Rishi Ajay Das expelled Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from her position. He shared that she deviated from the responsibilities she was given with the position. Ajay alleged that the agreement Lakshmi made with Juna Akhada in 2019 was not valid as it lacked consent. He also took a dig at her for allowing Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni to join Akhada and take on the role of Mahamandaleshwar. Calling it a betrayal of the Akhada's sacred values, Ajay questioned the ethical implications of giving such a prestigious title to someone having a criminal record. This created a controversy and soon President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad Mahant Ravindra Puri slammed him and questioned his right to remove Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from her position. He also added that she and Mamta will continue with their positions. As the controversy escalated, Mamta turned to social media to announce her resignation from the position. At the same time, the Kinnar Akhada officially removed Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and Mamta Kulkarni, citing increasing discord within the community and concerns about their spiritual credentials.
