Seers back Akhara Parishad demand on 'non-Hindu' shops in Kumbh area

PRAYAGRAJ : The saint community has come out in support of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad ( ABAP ) on the issue of not allowing non-Hindus to set up food shops in the mela area during Maha Kumbh .

The proposal mooted by ABAP chief Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri recently was opposed by Muslim religious body, All India Muslim Jamaat, saying that such a move will create rift in society.

Backing the ABAP proposal, head of Tikar Mafi ashram of Jhunsi, Swami Hari Chaitanya Bhramchari, said: "Those who do not believe in Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Hindu religious texts, the Puranas, Upanishads etc, have no business coming to a religious event that is so deeply connected with Hindu traditions and beliefs. For those who just consider this as an opportunity to make fast money, an area of 5km around the Maha Kumbh campus should be made their Laxman Rekha," he said.

He added that apart from this, there should be a complete ban on the sale of meat or fish and liquor around the mela area.

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Yatindranand Giri of Juna Akhara said: "Maha Kumbh is the epicentre of greatness, vastness, mythology, faith, devotion and belief of Sanatan Dharma. As such, non-Hindus should not be allowed to enter the mela area or do business."

He further said if this does not happen, the sadhu community will boycott it.

Acharya Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham has also supported the ABAP demand on the issue.