Dhirendra Shastri, Swami Yatindranand Giri Back Call To Prohibit Non-Hindu Shops, Entry At Mahakumbh In Prayagraj

Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Shastri supports Akhara Parishad's demand to ban non-Hindus from Mahakumbh due to concerns about disrespect for Hindu traditions and alleged incidents of spitting.

Bageshwar Dham's Peethadhishwar Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has voiced strong support for the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad’s demand to prohibit entry and shop allocations to non-Hindus at the upcoming Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Shastri asserted that “minorities should not be permitted entry or allowed to run shops at the Mahakumbh,” aligning himself with the stance taken by the Akhara, particularly regarding the Muslim community. 

"The demand of the Akhada Parishad is absolutely correct. Shops should not be provided for non-Hindus in the Maha Kumbh. Apart from this, the entry of non-Hindus should also be banned. Why should those who do not believe in Ram or Sanatan Dharma be at the Triveni Sangam?" questioned Shastri.

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

Swami Yatindranand Giri Supports Call To Prohibit Non-Hindu Shops At Mahakumbh, Demands Vendor IDs With Photos

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

According to Live Hindustan, he stated, “The Mahakumbh is a centre of Sanatan Hindu culture, where sacred rituals and Vedic practices uphold its sanctity.” Giri urged the state government and Mela authorities to restrict non-Hindu participation and business operations, warning of a possible Sant Samaj boycott if these demands are ignored. He recommended that shop permissions only be granted to those providing complete identification with photographs.

The Mahakumbh will begin in Prayagraj on January 13 on the occasion of Paush Poornima and conclude on February 26 on Mahashivratri. The Uttar Pradesh government said on Sunday Drivers, boatmen, guides and cart operators will wear special tracksuits that are being prepared for all four categories. "This preparation has been done keeping in mind that pilgrims can easily get the necessary services during the rush in the fair," Regional Tourism Officer Aparajita Singh said in a statement, as per news agency PTI.

(With Inputs By Vikram Singh Jat)