At the sacred shores of Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, where the grand Maha Kumbh is set to commence from January 13, Organiser’s Senior Assistant Editor, Nishant Kumar Azad spoke to the Organising General Secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Milind Parande about the extensive preparations for Maha Kumbh, the VHP’s pivotal role in this grand Dharmik gathering, and what sets this Kumbh apart from earlier ones. From addressing social and cultural challenges to fostering national unity, Milind Parande sheds light on the transformative vision and efforts shaping this historic event. Excerpts:
Milind Ji, what role the VHP will play in the upcoming Maha Kumbh starting on January 13?
VHP has had a long-standing association with the Kumbh since its establishment. We set up a camp at the Kumbh each time. This time too, we are organising a large camp, which will host various programmes. Our Akhil Bharatiya meeting will also take place here, with karyakartas coming from about 400 Vibhags across the country. Additionally, Acharyas from different sects and traditions across Bharat, part of the VHP’s central advisory council, will converge on January 24. Buddhist monks from various Buddhist nations and sants from South and North East part of Bharat and beyond, will participate in these meetings.
A two-day sants’ conference is scheduled for January 25 and 26. Young sants, men and women alike, who are guiding Hindu society, will also participate in dedicated conferences. VHP is dedicated to national unity. At a time when numerous forces are attempting to divide Hindu society, we aim to emphasise social harmony. Thousands of individuals actively working in this area will join the significant gathering.
VHP is the largest organisation protecting cows from slaughter, saving over 200,000 cows annually. A major cow protection conference will also be organised here.
What are the unique features of Maha Kumbh 2025?
Kumbh provides an environment for spiritual growth. Seers and Sadhus from all sects, castes, communities and regions are gathering here to deliberate on religious and national issues.
There will be participation of a large number of revered Buddhist monks and Lamas which is a matter of great joy. Buddhism and its spiritual traditions originated in this sacred land. All spiritual traditions born in Bharat are considered our own. The presence of revered Buddhist monks from here and abroad sends a strong message that efforts to create divisions will not succeed. With an expected turnout of 35-40 crore people, the logistics are monumental. The government is ensuring all necessary infrastructure is in place, and we are confident everything will be ready in time.
“There has been an effort to misrepresent kumbh as mythology, which is entirely incorrect. The events associated with the Kumbh are historical truths, not myths”
Special efforts are being taken to convey the message of social transformation so that devotees strengthen their faith and work towards eliminating societal evils such as dowry, caste discrimination, and female infanticide. The Kumbh is also an opportunity to emphasise environmental consciousness. Initiatives like Ek Thaila, Ek Thali using steel utensils instead of plastic have been promoted, sending a strong message about sustainability.
Alongside cow protection, issues related to Sanatan Dharma and Hindu society, like the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, are also critical. Will the VHP address this during the Maha Kumbh?
Yes, discussions on this matter are ongoing. Although we don’t have an organisation in Bangladesh, we share the pain of the atrocities there. International organisations like the United Nations and other countries are being approached regarding this issue.
When atrocities occur against other communities, global human rights organisations immediately raise their voices. Yet, when Hindus face atrocities, there is deafening silence. This raises concerns whether Hindus even have human rights. On International Human Rights Day, December 10, Hindu organisations worldwide held protests and programmes highlighting these issues. While the Bharatiya Government is making efforts to exert pressure, much remains to be done.
Reports from intelligence agencies have suggested that Khalistani extremists and Pakistani terrorists may try to disrupt Maha Kumbh. How do you assess such threats?
The government has identified these threats, which are indeed real. These dangers are not limited to Maha Kumbh but are ongoing across the country, originating from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and open borders. The infiltration of terrorists and the resulting violence are a constant threat. Speaking of unity, you mentioned that Buddhist monks would participate in large numbers this time.
People often perceive Kumbh as just a religious festival. In your view, is the Kumbh merely a religious gathering, or is it something beyond that?
The term ‘religious’ in English doesn’t fully encompass the essence of the Kumbh. It is an extraordinary spiritual and Dharmik congregation and an example of unity. The Kumbh is the world’s largest gathering, bringing together crores of followers of a single faith.
It exemplifies social harmony. At the Ganga, no one asks about another’s caste. When 40 crore people participate, no one asks who they are while serving or receiving food. Hindus come here out of a sense of devotion and belonging, without any formal invitation.
This ancient tradition reflects a collective spirit, not just spiritual guidance. It unites the Sanatan samaj, fostering an experience of togetherness.
VHP always takes initiatives to make the Kumbh successful. Can you share what the VHP is doing this time to ensure success?
The Kumbh is a natural congregation of devotees and revered sants. The VHP provides a platform for sants from different traditions to gather. Discussions will address challenges and threats to the Hindu community, including conversion issues, declining birth rates among Hindus, and infiltration from Muslim-majority regions. Topics like ‘Love Jihad’ and moral degradation due to Western influence will also be discussed. Issues such as dowry, caste discrimination, and female infanticide will be tackled. VHP will bring revered sants together to guide society on these matters.
Controversy erupted when Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad stated that only Hindus should be allowed to set up stalls in and around Maha Kumbh.
We need to understand the sentiments of the Hindu community before forming opinions. During the Kanwar Yatra, it was observed that many shops with Hindu names were run by Muslims. Social media highlighted instances of improper behaviour, such as spitting or urinating near food meant for devotees. This has led to distrust among devotees, especially since such actions go against the sanctity of religious practices. The Hindu community wants to ensure the purity of the food and services provided during such sacred events.
These issues must be seen in context. The concerns of the Hindu community are valid, and steps should be taken to address them. Social harmony is crucial, but it must not come at the cost of compromising religious sentiments. Specific individuals’ actions have caused mistrust, and this has led to the current situation.
Regarding conversions, we’ve recently seen large-scale ‘Ghar Wapsi’, particularly among Muslims. How do you see this trend?
As awareness grows, many people are returning to their original faith. For instance, in Ajmer, over 150,000 Rajputs forcibly converted after Prithviraj Chauhan’s era have returned to Sanatan.
People who feel they can come back and be accepted by Hindu society without stigma are more inclined to return. The VHP and sants ensure their reintegration into society, helping with education, marriages and cultural assimilation. Ghar Wapsi is not just a ceremony; it’s a long process of re-establishing identity and dignity.
The 2019 Ardh Kumbh was highly successful, setting high expectations for this Maha Kumbh. Some argue that the Government’s involvement in Dharmik gatherings should be limited. What is your take on this?
When managing an event involving 35-40 crore people, the Government’s role is indispensable for providing basic amenities like roads, electricity, water, and sanitation. However, it does not interfere in Dharmik activities and works in a service-oriented manner, ensuring that facilities are provided while leaving spiritual aspects to the community.
What message would you like to give to the devotees attending Maha Kumbh?
Maha Kumbh is deeply rooted in our history and traditions. However, there has been an effort to misrepresent it as mythology, which is entirely incorrect. The events associated with the Kumbh are historical truths, not myths.
For instance, the Kumbh is connected to the Amrit (nectar) that emerged from the churning of the ocean. The locations where this nectar spilled—Ujjain, Haridwar, Prayag, and Nashik—are where the Kumbh is celebrated. These are historical events with profound significance.
Moreover, the Kumbh strengthens the bond of tradition. Millions come here to bathe in the Ganga, which is believed to purify the mind and wash away sins. People from diverse sects, castes, and regions come together in this sacred gathering, symbolising unity and harmony.
The Kumbh also offers a rare opportunity to meet and take blessings of those sants who are otherwise inaccessible. This collective gathering reinforces our connection to history, tradition, and spirituality.
