A significant religious convention held in the holy town of Alandi has issued a strong demand for pilgrimage sites across Maharashtra to be made free of meat and alcohol. The gathering also voiced serious concerns about alleged conversion activities targeting the Hindu community.
Call for Sacred Spaces
The convention participants emphasized the need to maintain the spiritual purity of religious sites. They argued that places of worship and pilgrimage should be environments dedicated solely to spiritual pursuits, free from substances and practices considered incompatible with religious values.
The key demand emerging from the meeting was a comprehensive ban on meat and alcohol in and around all major pilgrimage centers. Delegates suggested this would help preserve the sanctity of these holy places and ensure they remain conducive to meditation and prayer.
Concerns Over Conversion Activities
During the proceedings, Janardan Maharaj Mete delivered a warning that captured significant attention. He expressed grave concerns about Christian missionary work in the region, particularly in spiritually significant locations like Alandi.
Mete specifically alleged that conversion activities were being conducted under the guise of providing health and educational services. He stated, "In a holy place like Alandi, Christian missionaries are converting Hindus under the guise of providing health and education. We must put a stop to this."
The religious leader's comments highlighted growing tensions in certain regions where missionary activities intersect with traditional Hindu communities.
Broader Implications and Community Response
The convention's resolutions are expected to spark broader discussions about the regulation of activities around India's numerous pilgrimage sites. Many attendees expressed that such measures are necessary to protect Hindu traditions and maintain the spiritual atmosphere of sacred spaces.
The gathering occurred on November 16, 2025, with religious leaders and community members from various regions participating. The location choice of Alandi, being a significant pilgrimage destination itself, added symbolic weight to the proceedings.
As these discussions gain traction, they may influence policy discussions regarding the management of religious sites and the balancing of religious freedom with community preservation efforts across Maharashtra and potentially other states with similar concerns.
