Latest news with #AkhilBharatiyaAkharaParishad
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
CM Fadnavis chairs 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela prep meet, assures smooth arrangements
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Nashik on Sunday to chair a key preparatory meeting for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, slated to be held in 2027 and ensured that the grand event will be held smoothly. The meeting was attended by seers from 13 prominent akharas along with representatives from various government agencies involved in planning the mega spiritual gathering. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Fadnavis said: "A meeting was organised regarding the Kumbh Mela, in which the 13 prominent Akharas were present. Saints, sadhus, and mahants all participated. We held discussions regarding the arrangements for the event." He said that important aspects like event scheduling, infrastructure planning, crowd management, and the issue of pollution in the Godavari River were discussed in depth. "The dates for the important events were also fixed, and the announcements regarding the same will soon be made…How to manage the crowd of pilgrims will also be seen. Godavari pollution was also discussed," he added. Fadnavis further noted that every effort would be made to ensure that the 2027 Kumbh Mela is organised smoothly with a focus on cleanliness, convenience, and coordination among departments. Mahant Rajendra Das Ji Maharaj of Abha Nirvani Akhara, also known as the Nirvani Akhara, stated that the date for the Amrit Snan would be declared soon. Raising a significant cultural point, he echoed the demand of several seers to replace the term Shahi Snan with Amrit Snan. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad national spokesperson, Bhakti Charan Das Maharaj, said: "The recent decision follows the precedent set during the previous Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj, where the term 'Shahi Snan' was replaced with 'Amrit Snan' after extensive discussions among scholars and saints." "The word 'Shahi' is believed to have Mughal-era origins, and many experts agreed it was inappropriate in a spiritual context. The new term reflects Indian spiritual values more accurately," he said. In the meeting, the seers also pressed for land reservations specific to the Nashik Kumbh Mela, stronger enforcement against pollution of the sacred Godavari, and the creation of a dedicated Kumbh Mela authority to ensure better amenities for saints and devotees. Addressing reporters, Nirmohi Akhara's Rajendra Das Maharaj said, "We pray to the sacred Godavari River that this Kumbh Mela becomes grand and divine. The arrangements of Amrit Snan and other requirements were discussed with the Chief Minister." The 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik is expected to witness participation from millions of pilgrims and saints, like as seen in the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh this year.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Seers demand ‘ban' on trade by non-Hindus at Char Dham shrines
Haridwar: Several seers in Uttarakhand have urged the govt to bar non-Hindu traders from selling 'prasad' or other religious items within the premises of Char Dham shrines . Citing certain precedents at some temples in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh where non-Hindus are purportedly restricted from entering the premises, they also demanded that the Uttarakhand govt implement similar measures in the state's revered shrines. Shankaracharya Parishad president Swami Anand Swaroop wrote to CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday urging entry restriction into the Char Dham shrines in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri due to "security concerns and religious sanctity". In his letter, Swami Anand Swaroop stressed the need for such restrictions to prevent any untoward incidents during the pilgrimage season. Backing the demand, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Swami Ravindra Puri of Niranjani Akhara said similar appeals were made during the recent 'Mahakumbh' in Prayagraj. He also argued that the sale of 'prasad' by non-Hindus could raise questions over its ritual purity, especially in light of past controversies. Lending support, Swami Rupendra Prakash of Avdhoot Mandal Ashram said he believed that such a step was necessary to prevent "unwanted elements from executing their nefarious designs in the guise of a pilgrim". "There are non-Hindus operating as owners of horses and mules that carry pilgrims. Such people may be potential threats to security and purity... I raised the demand earlier as well along with the Badrinath MLA," the seer said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Volgogradskaya Oblast - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo The seers' calls also found a few takers among members of the civil society. BD Joshi, a retired professor from Haridwar's Gurukul Kangri University, said, "Showing liberalism in matters of our religion and embracing people who would not budge an inch when it comes to their religion is nothing but masquerading as secularists. Such behaviour has already cost us too much." Notably, a section of the seers community in Haridwar had recently demanded the shifting of meat shops in Jwalapur to Sarai, a nearby village.
