Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Seers to be asked for Identity proof, Their Urdu names replaced, Ban orders issued on Non-Sanatanis at the food stalls
Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which will continue from January 13 to February 26, has seen some major changes under the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the governing body of Hindu ascetics and seers. With millions of devotees likely to throng the banks of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati, ABAP has managed to impose intensified security measures, including identity proof from seers and restrictions on food stalls and vendors.
A Mela that symbolises much spiritual importance across the world signifies purity on a spiritual level. However, it dishing out an extra dose of regulation on participants so that authenticity comes along with sanctity at all levels.
Aadhaar and Voter ID Mandatory for Seers: A Move to Check ‘Farzi Babas’
The other processes which were in place and stricter ones added to Aadhaar and Voter ID will be a mandator when it comes to seers in this edition of the Mela. It is not a new exercise that the government has been incorporating strict regulations to check on ‘Farzi Babas’.
The most striking change is that, before entering the Kumbh area, seers are made to present Aadhaar or voter ID. This is because the decision is taken to ensure that these fake godmen, popularly known as “farzi babas,” did not participate in the function-they were considered disgracing real ascetics. This is one of the rules set out by ABAP to limit the number of 13 accredited Akharas from participating in the event as one of a series of measures designed to preserve the integrity of the spectacle.
Many countries are in war, and anti-Sanatan forces are active. We have to protect the sanctity of Kumbh Mela, says Ravindra Puri, head of the Akhara Parishad. So, we have made it a rule that seers have to provide identity proof so that uninvited or fake participants cannot enter the holy space.
The incident comes when there were tragic incidents, like the July 2024 stampede at Hathras, which took the lives of 121 people. A stampede had occurred during a religious congregation by a self-proclaimed godman Suraj Pal, known as Narayan Sakar Hari. The stampede evoked mass demands for better regulation of religious leaders, and ABAP has done just that with regard to Kumbh participation by only genuine seers.
As part of the new measures, the Akharas will issue ID cards to their associated saints, and a list of these individuals will be handed over to the district administration. This step would ensure that the law enforcement can identify the seers and keep a close check on attendees. The ABAP reiterated the commitment to keeping fraudulent saints from exploiting the gathering for personal gains.
Changing Urdu Names and the Plan to Ban Non-Sanatanis from Food Stalls
Re-naming of Urdu Words and the Resolution to Expel Non-Sanatanis from Stalls of Tolls
The ABAP passes a number of resolution, one of which is the re-naming of certain Urdu words which have been traditionally allied with the Kumbh Mela. The body has mooted the names such as “Shahi” and “Peshwai” used with reference to the Shobha Yatras and Shobha Sanskars associated with the Mela with terms which have a basis in Sanatan Dharma.
Examples include renaming of the critical event “Shahi Snan” or the royal bath to be known as “Rajsi Snan” and replacing “Peshwai” with “Chhavni Pravesh” or procession with camp entry. Such changes are perceived to facilitate a more aligned type of terminology in consonance with the Hindu traditions.
ABAP president, Ravindra Puri said they are thankful that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath considered these proposals. “We had put the proposal before CM Yogi Adityanath, and we are thankful to him for his support in replacing these terms with names that resonate with our Sanatan roots,” Puri said.
The ABAP has also proposed banning “non-Sanatanis” from setting up food stalls at the Kumbh. This step is taken in the wake of several shocking incidents, like food and drinks contamination reports, with claims of urine mixed in juice and spitting in the food. As Ravindra Puri would quote, “Such defiling acts cannot be tolerated at the Kumbh, a place of holiness for Hindus.”. All Hindus should be present at Kumbh, and those who only follow Sanatan Dharma should alone be seen running a food stall.
A resolution of the formal nature is held to be passed after Diwali 2024, once the proposal has been submitted for approval by Yogi Adityanath. ABAP has also spelt out the fact that only Sanatan Dharmis should be deployed in all capacities at Mela – from barbers to cobblers to on-duty staff.
Safety, Security, and Sanitation at the 2025 Mahakumbh
The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is expected to attract as many as 40 crore devotees. Local and State authorities have undertaken efforts in coordination with the Akhara Parishad to ensure safety, security, and cleanliness at the event. The ABAP had demanded prohibition of sales of liquor and meat around the Kumbh area to preserve the divine purity of the site. This apart, devotees have been requested to shop only from the vendors who carry the name of the owner of the shop, and that an idol or picture of a deity should be available within the shop or restaurant.
The ID verification for soothsayers and strict scrutiny of vendors and service providers are a very strong strategy put in place to prevent the kind of mishaps that previously occurred. Events such as the tragic Hathras stampede have brought much greater awareness of risks towards safety, and the sincerity of the Akhara Parishad towards order and authenticity at Kumbh Mela is reflected in these measures.
Significance of Kumbh Mela
Millions of Hindus consider the Kumbh Mela more than a religious congregation to attain spiritual purification. The fair takes place every 12 years on the confluence of sacred rivers in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain and allows devotees to rid themselves of sins by bathing in holy waters. The 2025 edition in Prayagraj is likely to be one of the biggest congregations with millions of pilgrims from across the world.
As the preparations gain full steam for these grand celebrations, the decisions of ABAP have reflected a strong will to preserve the spiritual sanctity of Kumbh Mela. With this along with safeguarding it against potential miscreants, ensuring the presence of actual seers, and trying to give the atmosphere a more Sanatan-centric taste, the Akhara Parishad is ready to make Mahakumbh 2025 a day of faith, purity, and devotion.
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