New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack at Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday, over an FIR lodged against ‘Shankaracharya’ Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and accused the administration of acting with a malicious intent to embarrass and humiliate the Hindu seer.Addressing a press conference at the party office, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the state government instead of making amends for its irresponsible conduct during the Magh Mela, has …
Latest Magh Mela News & Updates
Lucknow, Feb 22 (IANS) A special POCSO court in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Saturday ordered registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and one of his aides, Mukundanand Giri, over alleged role in sexual exploitation of two children at his ashram. The FIR, lodged under Section 173 (4) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), documents shocking details of the sexual exploitation of two minors at Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Ashram by the se…
New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging police excesses against disciples of Swami Avimukteshwaranand during the Magh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. Observing that issues relating to law and order fall within the domain of the state government, a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi said that the petitioner was at liberty to approach the competent autho…
Lucknow, Feb 13 (IANS) Targeting the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that those who oppose Vande Mataram have no right to live in India. He was speaking in the Assembly during the Budget Session. He accused the SP and the Congress of practising appeasement politics and said that they obstructed both development and cultural resurgence in the state.“Those who oppose Vande Mataram have no right to live on Indian soil. Certain politica…
Prayagraj, Feb 4 (IANS) Handicraft products made by local artisans are emerging as a major attraction for visitors at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, as the Centre’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative gives a strong push to indigenous crafts and traditional livelihoods. Under the initiative, products manufactured by rural artisans and Self-Help Groups are being prominently showcased at the Mela. Devotees and tourists are showing keen interest in a wide range of locally made items, including handicra…
Prayagraj, Feb 1 (IANS) Lakhs of devotees gathered at river ghats nationwide on Maghi Purnima, amid chants, drumbeats, and a vast display of faith, expressing their joy and spiritual satisfaction after taking a dip. The Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, saw an extraordinary turnout from the early hours, amid elaborate security and administrative measures.At Prayagraj, pilgrims began arriving at the Sangam and other ghats from the previous night to take part in the sacred snan at the confluence…
Varanasi, Jan 29 (IANS) A day after ending his sit-in protest and leaving the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Thursday continued to voice strong criticism over the circumstances that led to his exit and reiterated his objections to what he termed actions against Sanatan Dharam. Earlier on Wednesday, the Shankaracharya had said that he was leaving the Magh Mela grounds with a “heavy heart”, bringing an end to his sit-in protest outside the Shankara…
New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Former actor and Sadhvi Mamta Kulkarni on Sunday strongly criticised Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati following his confrontation with authorities at Sangam Ghat during the ongoing Magh Mela. Speaking to IANS, she said, “Who appointed him as the Supreme Shankaracharya? Because of this man, because of his ego, I will not call him Shankaracharya. The original Shankaracharya was the one from the 8th century who established the four Peeths. He had undertaken pilgrimages …
Lucknow, Jan 24 (IANS) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday warned that the growing interference of political figures in religious affairs across Uttar Pradesh and other states is proving harmful to social harmony and public life.In a post on X, Mayawati said political involvement in religious festivals, rituals, prayers and bathing ceremonies has increased significantly in recent years, giving rise to fresh controversies, tensions and social conflicts.“This situation is not ri…
Gwalior, Jan 21 (IANS) Amid the ongoing controversy over Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand being stopped by the Magh Mela administration from proceeding towards the Sangam Nose, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya on Wednesday said that the seer himself committed a “wrongdoing” by attempting to reach the holy River Ganga onboard a chariot and asserted that the administration had not done any injustice to him.The remarks come against the backdrop of heightened tensions following an incident on Sunday…