Akhara Parishad Proposes Key Changes for Kumbh Mela, Restricts Non-Sanatanis from Running Food Stalls

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad announced on Wednesday that it has decided to prohibit non-Sanatanis from setting up food stalls at the upcoming Kumbh Mela. In addition, the Parishad is pushing to rename traditional terms like 'Shahi Snan' and 'Peshwai' as 'Rajsi Snan' and 'Chhavni Pravesh,' and has already proposed these changes to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is expected to make a formal announcement soon.

The seers' council said it will pass a resolution regarding the food stall restrictions after Diwali and submit it for the chief minister's approval. The Parishad emphasized the importance of ensuring that the fair is managed by those who follow Sanatan practices. This includes a resolution to deploy only Sanatani employees and officers during the Kumbh Mela to maintain the festival’s religious integrity.

Akhara Parishad Chief Ravindra Puri stated that the decision to rename terms stems from a desire to replace Urdu words with Hindi. This follows a similar initiative by Madhya Pradesh, where the term 'Shahi Sawaari' was changed to 'Rajsi Sawaari' in reference to Mahakal's procession in Ujjain.

Traditionally, the saints' bath during the Kumbh Mela has been called 'Shahi Snan,' while the procession from the Akhara ashram to the fair area has been known as 'Peshwai.' These practices have been observed for centuries, but the Parishad is now calling for the use of Hindi terms in their place.

The Parishad also cited recent incidents of food adulteration, such as reports of people mixing unsanitary substances into food, as a reason for restricting non-Sanatanis from running food stalls during the fair. "All Sanatanis at the Kumbh Mela will be Hindus. We cannot allow anyone to defile the food or drinks being served," Puri said.

He added that the Akhara Parishad will hold a meeting after Diwali to finalize this decision and submit a formal resolution to the chief minister.

Furthermore, the Parishad also called for the deployment of police officers who do not consume meat or alcohol, ensuring that the spiritual sanctity of the Maha Kumbh is maintained. Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh Mela), Rajesh Dwivedi, confirmed that police personnel will be screened for their consumption habits before being assigned to the festival.

The Akhara Parishad is an influential body representing 13 key Akharas, including Nirmohi, Nirvani, Digamber, Mahanirvani, Atal, Bada Udasin, Nirmal, Niranjani, Juna, Avahan, Anand, Agni, and Naya Udasin.

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