Maha Kumbh: Call for ban on Muslims triggers row

Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, has stirred controversy by calling for a ban on Muslim participation in the upcoming 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

- Biswaieet Banerjee

Speaking to the media on Monday after a meeting of the Akhada Parishad, Puri alleged that the presence of Muslims at the Hindu religious festival could "corrupt" the religion of sadhus and sanyasis through what he described as "spit jihad," and adulteration of food items.

"Can any non-Muslim or Hindu go to Mecca or set up a shop there?

If not, then Muslims should not be allowed entry here either,"" Puri stated, emphasizing that Maha Kumbh is a significant event of Sanatan Dharma.

DISRUPTING SANCTITY?