In a significant development at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, the dharna led by Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati entered its tenth consecutive day on Tuesday, drawing heightened attention and support from religious leaders across the region. The protest, centered on demands for a respectful dip in the Ganga, has now galvanized a broader movement among seers and saints, who are voicing their solidarity through traditional rituals and public statements.
Fire Ritual as a Symbol of Protest
A notable group of seers and saints, spearheaded by the prominent figure Computer Baba, took a dramatic step by performing a fire ritual, known as dhuni tapasya, at the mela campus. This act was explicitly intended to express support for Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who identifies as the 'Shankaracharya' of Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand. The ritual, steeped in spiritual significance, served as a powerful symbol of resistance against what the participants perceive as ongoing insults to Sanatan Dharma and religious leaders under the current state administration.
Allegations Against the State Government
Computer Baba, addressing the media, articulated the grievances fueling the protest. He stated, "The saints, Sanatan Dharma, and religious leaders are being insulted on the mela campus. This insult is taking place under the Yogi-led state government, which is very unfortunate. The saints are expressing their protest through this fire ritual." This statement underscores a deepening rift between the religious community and the authorities, with the dharna now evolving into a broader critique of governance and respect for spiritual traditions in Uttar Pradesh.
Political Support and Broader Backing
Amidst the escalating tensions, former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela made a notable visit to the Magh Mela, where he met with Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Vaghela extended his solidarity, emphasizing, "Millions of people stand with the Swami Ji." This political endorsement adds a new dimension to the protest, potentially amplifying its reach and impact beyond religious circles into the political arena.
Core Demands and Ongoing Struggle
At the heart of the dharna is Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's persistent demand for the mela administration to grant him permission for a respectful dip in the Ganga, a request that has been met with resistance, sparking the prolonged sit-in. The involvement of figures like Computer Baba and the performance of dhuni tapasya highlight the spiritual and cultural stakes involved, framing the issue as one of religious freedom and dignity.
As the protest continues, observers note that the convergence of religious rituals, political support, and public dissent could shape the narrative around the Magh Mela and its management. The situation remains fluid, with the saints vowing to sustain their agitation until their demands are addressed, signaling potential for further developments in the days ahead.
