Ahmedabad: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary, Milind Parande, addressed the media today, highlighting the grand scale and spiritual significance of the upcoming Mahakumbh at Prayagraj. Billed as the largest human gathering in the world, the event is expected to draw over 20 crore Hindus from across the globe.

Parande announced that the first ceremonial bath would take place on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2024), and the event will conclude with the final bath on Maha Shivaratri (February 25, 2024). He emphasized that millions will arrive without formal invitations, as the Mahakumbh is a deeply rooted spiritual and cultural tradition for Hindus.

The Mauni Amavasya on January 24 is expected to witness the arrival of around three crore pilgrims. Parande noted that the arrangements for accommodation and meals for such a massive influx are being managed by the collective efforts of the society. “This is a grand occasion of spiritual and cultural significance,” he said.

Major Events and Discussions

The Mahakumbh will also serve as a platform for a wide range of gatherings and discussions:

• A central meeting of the Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal of VHP will be held on January 24.
• Separate assemblies for young saints, female monks, and Gau Rakshaks will be organized.
• Topics such as religious conversions by Christian missionaries, family system’s conservation, drug addiction, societal challenges, and gau hatya (cow slaughter) will be discussed.
• Deliberations on gau-vansh-based agriculture and outreach to tribal communities will take place.

Saints from across India, including the Northeast and southern states, along with Tibetan Buddhist monks, are expected to participate. The VHP is also facilitating arrangements for the international Hindu community, with representatives from 30 countries expected to join a special baithak (meeting).

Concerns Over Religious Harmony

Parande expressed concern over growing challenges to Hindu unity, citing the activities of Christian missionaries and efforts to create societal divides within Hindus. He stressed the need for Rashtriya Ekatmata (national unity) and vigilance against attempts to disrupt social harmony.

Global and National Issues

Addressing international concerns, Parande criticized the Bangladesh government for detaining Hindu spiritual leader Pujya Chaitanya Das. He alleged that forces in Bangladesh have misused their power to target the Hindu community, urging global human rights organizations and the United Nations to intervene.

On the domestic front, he highlighted issues like government control over temples in Andhra Pradesh. A jagran programme in Vijayawada, expected to draw lakhs of devotees, will focus on mobilizing support for freeing temples from state control. Representatives from over 13,000 panchayats across Andhra Pradesh are set to participate.

A Grand Spiritual Confluence

The Mahakumbh is not just a religious gathering but a convergence of spirituality, tradition, and cultural identity. Parande called it a unique opportunity to strengthen Hindu values and societal bonds while addressing critical contemporary challenges.

The event underscores the deep-seated unity and resilience of the Hindu community as it comes together to celebrate and deliberate on shared aspirations and responsibilities. VHP Gujarat leader Ashok Rawal and VHP North Gujarat region leader Nalinbhai Patel were also present during the media briefing and interaction session. DeshGujarat