Mauni Amavasya Holy Dip Marred by Controversy Over Seer's Treatment
On Sunday, January 18, the sacred ritual bath of Mauni Amavasya at the Sangam in Prayagraj faced disruption. Over 4.52 crore devotees gathered for the auspicious occasion, but the event was overshadowed by an alleged incident involving a prominent seer.
Seer Stopped by Police During Entry
Jyotirpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati arrived at the Magh Mela Kshetra with a large group of followers. Police authorities halted his entry to the bathing ghats. The seer intended to take the holy dip, known as Shahi Snan, but returned without completing the ritual.
Superintendent of Police Neeraj Pandey explained the situation. He stated that Avimukteshwaranand attempted to enter with approximately 200 to 250 followers without prior permission. The seer reportedly broke a barricade at Bridge Number 2 during the attempt.
"The police administration respects all saints and seers, but the safety of devotees is our top priority," Pandey told PTI. He emphasized the heavy rush of devotees and the need for orderly management.
Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes Government, Calls for Probe
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav swiftly responded to the incident. He posted a video on social media and demanded a thorough investigation. Yadav condemned the alleged mistreatment of the seer and devotees.
"The alleged mistreatment of saints and devotees in the Magh Mela area this year, just like last year, is unpardonable," Akhilesh Yadav asserted. He questioned why such disruptions occur under the BJP-led state government.
Yadav directly challenged the administration's arrangements. "Is the Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya happening for the first time? The BJP's misgovernance and failed arrangements are solely responsible for this situation," he alleged.
Massive Devotee Turnout Amidst Dense Fog
Despite dense fog conditions, devotees began arriving at the Sangam ghats from midnight. The stream continued through the early morning hours. This high turnout is typical for the Magh Mela, with previous events seeing large numbers.
- Around 1.03 crore devotees took a dip on Makar Sankranti.
- Nearly 85 lakh people participated in the holy bath on Ekadashi.
Authorities implemented several measures to manage the crowd and enhance safety. Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agrawal outlined these steps.
- Reflective tapes on poles across the mela area for better visibility.
- Civil defence volunteers to guide devotees.
- More than 25,000 toilets installed for convenience.
The Magh Mela spans 800 hectares, divided into seven sectors. Over 3,500 sanitation workers maintained cleanliness throughout the event.
Political Implications and Public Reaction
This incident has sparked a political debate in Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav's criticism highlights ongoing tensions between opposition parties and the ruling BJP. The demand for a probe puts pressure on the state government to address the allegations promptly.
Public reaction mixes devotion with concern over management issues. Many devotees express disappointment over the disruption of a centuries-old tradition. The controversy raises questions about event organization and respect for religious figures.
The Magh Mela continues to be a significant religious gathering, but this year's events underscore the challenges of managing such large-scale rituals. Authorities face the dual task of ensuring safety while honoring sacred practices.
