Rishikesh Ashram Controversy: Police Dismiss Discrimination Claims at Kirtan Festival
A controversy erupted in the spiritual hub of Rishikesh after a viral video alleged that Indian visitors were being "barred from entering" a kirtan festival at the Anand Dham ashram in the Tapovan area. The video, shared by a local yoga aspirant, sparked widespread online criticism and accusations of discrimination against Indian devotees. However, local police have since conducted an investigation and firmly rejected these allegations, stating that "no such discrimination had taken place" and that the claims were "unfounded."
Festival Details and Organizer Arrangements
The fifth Rishikesh Kirtan Fest was organized at Anand Dham ashram from February 16 to March 22 this year. The event featured a diverse range of spiritual activities, including yoga and meditation workshops, devotion classes, havan rituals, and kirtan sessions. According to the organizers, no registration was required for the morning sessions, but registration was mandatory for the evening sessions held in the kirtan hall.
Local yoga aspirants who attempted to enter the ashram claimed they were stopped by volunteers, who allegedly said that "foreigners were being prioritised for entry." This led to a flurry of online backlash, prompting a police team to visit the ashram and investigate the matter thoroughly.
Police Investigation and Clarifications
Upon investigation, police officials clarified that the event was organized by non-resident Indians (NRIs) and that a specific hall had been reserved for foreign guests as part of the logistical arrangements. Authorities emphasized that there were "no restrictions on Indian visitors entering the ashram premises" and that the venue remained open to all participants.
SHO of Muniki Reti police station, Pankaj Chauhan, personally visited the ashram and stated, "I found the allegations to be baseless, as many Indians with valid registrations were participating in the event. The yoga aspirant who posted the video also visited the ashram the next day and issued an explanation. No discrimination was found during our inquiry." Police have also requested the organizers to increase the number of registration counters for devotees to avoid future misunderstandings.
Context of Separate Arrangements in Rishikesh
Officials added that certain programs and yoga sessions in Rishikesh, which primarily cater to foreign tourists, sometimes limit the number of Indian participants for logistical and security reasons. They stressed that the arrangements at the festival were purely administrative and should not be interpreted as discrimination against anyone.
Social activist RM Dobhal commented on the issue, saying, "Rishikesh is known as a yoga city, attracting tourists from across the world for yoga and meditation. To maintain a peaceful environment, many visitors prefer quieter spaces, and yoga schools sometimes conduct separate classes for them due to safety and security considerations. There is nothing unusual about this practice."
In summary, while the initial video caused significant uproar, the police investigation has concluded that the allegations of discrimination at the Anand Dham ashram kirtan festival are without merit, highlighting the administrative nature of the event's arrangements.
