The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad announced on Wednesday that it will no longer permit "non-Sanatanis" to set up food stalls at the Kumbh Mela. Additionally, it plans to rename terms like 'Shahi Snan' and 'Peshwai' to 'Rajsi Snan' and 'Chhavni Pravesh' to replace Urdu words with Hindi. The proposal for these changes has been submitted to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is expected to make a formal announcement soon.
The Parishad also plans to pass a resolution after Diwali, formalising the food stall criteria and requesting approval from the chief minister. They further added that they intend to allow only 'Sanatani' employees and officers to work at the Kumbh Mela, aiming to preserve the festival’s spiritual integrity.
In a recent meeting at Niranjani Akhara in Prayagraj, a proposal was discussed to change these names. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad chief Ravindra Puri confirmed that the chief minister has been informed, and an official statement is anticipated soon.
The discussion about renaming events comes after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav renamed Mahakal’s procession in Ujjain from ‘Shahi Sawaari’ to ‘Rajsi Sawaari’. The Akhara Parishad has advocated for the use of Hindi over Urdu in official names. Traditionally, the bath of the saints of the Akharas is referred to as 'Shahi Snan', while their ceremonial procession to the fairground is called 'Peshwai'—customs that have been followed for centuries.
The Parishad also expressed concern over food safety at the Kumbh Mela. Citing recent incidents across the country involving adulteration of food, Puri stated, "There have been disturbing cases, like mixing urine in juice and spitting in food. Since all participants in Kumbh are Hindus, we must ensure such acts do not occur. Therefore, non-Sanatanis will not be allowed to operate food stalls in the fair."
He added that after Diwali, the Parishad will meet to pass a resolution formalising this decision, which will be submitted to Chief Minister Adityanath.
Moreover, the Parishad has requested that only Sanatani policemen, who abstain from meat and alcohol, be deployed at the fair. This aligns with the religious significance of the event, where meat and alcohol are prohibited. Kumbh Mela Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi affirmed that officers’ backgrounds will be checked before their deployment to ensure adherence to these restrictions.
The Akhara Parishad comprises 13 main Akharas, including Nirmohi, Nirvani, Digamber, Mahanirvani, Atal, Bada Udasin, Nirmal, Niranjani, Juna, Avahan, Anand, Agni, and Naya Udasin.
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