Bageshwar Dham’s Spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri spoke unfavourably and stirred controversy with remarks about non-Hindus at the event of the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela that is scheduled to start on January 13 after 12 years in Prayagraj.
Addressing a function at a Lord Hanuman Temple in Kawardha, Chhattisgarh, Shastri reignited controversy when he spoke against non-Hindus participation in the festival saying, “Mere angne mein tumhara kya kaam hai” a catchline from the movie ‘Laawaris’ released in 1981 starring Amitabh Bachchan.
Calls For Restricting Non-Hindu Attendees At Religious Festival
He also pointed out that those who are ignorant of Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism have no place at the Maha Kumbh Mela and will distort the prayers and the occasion stating, “Those who do not understand this will certainly ruin it.”
Shastri also used spitting and public urination which took place in the past during the festival to blame non-Hindu attendees by implying that there might be conspiracies to disrupt the festival’s sanctity.
Shastri Advocates For Sanatan Dharma Followers To Oversee Festival
He suggested that organization responsibilities should be given to people with knowledge of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu culture for the function’s credibility.
The comments have raised discussions over community functions ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela which is billed to attract millions of people who will be attending religious events while others will be sourcing for business and markets for sellers.
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With the expectation of people flooding the area, Uttar Pradesh launches various training programmes to enhance tourism and prepare local vendors in anticipation of the resultant traffic.
On the other hand, Shastri’s statements have been continuously attributing religious toleration, secularism, and cultural axiomatics of Maha Kumbh Mela.
