Dhirendra Shastri, Swami Yatindranand Giri responded to call to ban non-Hindu shops and entry to Mahakumbha in Prayagraj

Pitadhishwar Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham has expressed strong support to the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad’s demand to ban entry and provision of shops to non-Hindus at the upcoming Mahakumbh at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Shastri said that “minorities should not be allowed to enter or open shops in the Mahakumbh,” aligning himself with Akhara’s position, especially regarding the Muslim community.

“The Ahad Parishad’s demand is absolutely correct. There should be no provision of shops for non-Hindus at Mahakumbh. Moreover, entry of non-Hindus should also be prohibited. Why should those who don’t believe in Ram or Sanatan Dharma be in Triveni Sangam?” – asked Shastri.

Quoting a Bollywood song, he added, “Mere angne ​​mein tumhara kya kaam hai” to emphasize that non-believers should not play any role in the Mahakumbh. He also pointed out past incidents involving alleged “spitting incidents”, suggesting that the Mahakumbha should not host those unfamiliar with the Sanatan traditions, hinting at the possibility of a conspiracy by some elements.

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Swami Yatindranand Giri supports call to ban non-Hindu shops at Mahakumbh and demands vendor photo ID

Swami Yatindranand Giri, Mahamandaleshwar Juna Akhara, also supported the Akhara Parishad’s demand.

According to Live Hindustan, he stated, “Mahakumbha is the center of Sanatan Hindu culture where sacred rituals and Vedic practices maintain its sanctity.” Giri urged the state government and Mela authorities to restrict the participation and business transactions of non-Hindus, warning of a possible boycott of the Sant Samaj if these demands are ignored. It recommended that store permits be granted only to those who provide full photo identification.

The Mahakumbh will begin in Prayagraj on January 13 on the occasion of Paush Purnima and will end on February 26 on Mahashivratri. The Uttar Pradesh government said on Sunday that drivers, boatmen, guides and cart operators will wear special track suits being prepared for all four categories. “These preparations have been made keeping in mind that pilgrims can easily get required services during the rush of the fair,” Regional Director of Tourism Aparajita Singh said in a statement, news agency PTI reported.

(With inputs from Vikram Singh Jat)