In a recent move to uphold the religious sanctity of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has announced a ban on the sale of meat and liquor in key areas where the festival will be held. This step helps to create a spiritually conducive environment for pilgrims and reflects the government’s focus on maintaining the sacredness of the event.
The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is attended by thousands of devotees from India and around the globe. This year, the state government has introduced stricter rules to ensure the religious atmosphere is respected. “This is part of a larger effort to maintain the religious sanctity of the region during the months of the festival,” the government stated. The decision comes as preparations are underway for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which will take place in Prayagraj.
The ban will cover specific areas around the holy sites, including the Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. This location is central to many religious rituals, especially the bathing ceremonies that are a key part of the Kumbh Mela. In addition to the Sangam, the ban will be enforced in other areas where devotees gather, such as the Mela Grounds, Hanuman Mandir, Triveni Road, and the fort area, all of which hold religious and cultural significance.
Pilgrims will also be setting up camps and temporary settlements in regions like Jhusi, Arail, and Phaphamau, all located along the banks of the Yamuna and Ganga. These areas, with spiritual importance, will see thousands of visitors during the festival months. The government believes that by banning meat and alcohol sales in these areas, it can create an atmosphere that aligns with the religious nature of the event.
While this move is gaining widespread attention, it is not the first time the Uttar Pradesh government has enforced such bans during religious festivals. “The government has identified areas that are historically significant for the Mela and associated with religious ceremonies,” officials noted. In previous Kumbh Melas and other Hindu festivals, similar bans have been put in place to ensure that the spiritual nature of these events is respected.
However, the scale of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is expected to be much larger, and the government is taking extra steps to ensure the experience is smooth for everyone involved. “The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is expected to see more stringent enforcement, given the scale of the event and the government’s intent to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.” With millions of visitors expected to descend upon Prayagraj, authorities are working to ensure public order is maintained during this massive influx of people.
In recent years, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented similar policies in other religious towns. For instance, in Mathura, a 10-square-kilometre ban on the sale of meat and liquor around religious sites has been enforced to protect the town’s sanctity as a major Hindu pilgrimage center. This policy in Mathura has been seen as a successful step in maintaining the religious environment, and similar results are hoped for during the Kumbh Mela.
“The government’s decision is driven not only by religious sentiments but also by the need to manage public order during a time when Prayagraj will witness an extraordinary influx of people, including both local and international visitors.”
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