Swami Avimukteshwaranand Skips Sangam Dip on Basant Panchami Amid Ongoing Mela Dispute
In a significant development during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Swami Avimukteshwaranand chose not to proceed towards the Sangam for a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami this Friday. This decision comes amidst a prolonged standoff with the Magh Mela administration, highlighting unresolved tensions between religious authorities and event organizers.
No Official Persuasion or Assurance from CM Yogi Adityanath
Notably, no representatives from the Magh Mela administration approached the seer to encourage his participation in the ritual. Furthermore, Swami Avimukteshwaranand did not receive any communication or assurance from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the matter. Consequently, the seer remained seated inside his vehicle outside his camp at the Magh Mela premises, later transitioning to a palanquin without moving towards the sacred confluence.
Health Deterioration Due to Prolonged Exposure
Shailendra Yogiraj, the national spokesman for Swami Avimukteshwaranand, expressed concern over the seer's declining health. He attributed this deterioration to Swami Avimukteshwaranand sitting outdoors in the cold weather for several consecutive days, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing administrative impasse.
Previous Incident on Mauni Amavasya Adds to Tensions
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. Earlier, on Mauni Amavasya, Swami Avimukteshwaranand was prevented from taking a dip in the Sangam after his palanquin was stopped by Mela police and administration officials. Authorities cited the no-vehicle zone regulations as the reason, stating that no one was permitted to proceed in a palanquin within the designated area.
The enforcement of these rules led to a clash-like situation between the seer's disciples and police personnel, further straining relations and setting the stage for the current Basant Panchami developments. The repeated disruptions have raised questions about the balance between religious practices and administrative protocols during major melas in Prayagraj.
