Kumbh Mela plays a vital role in promoting Hindu unity: VHP chief

Kumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, stands as a powerful symbol of unity, culture, and Hindu values.

- SAURABH SHARMA

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president, Alok Kumar sheds light on the role of the VHP in promoting inclusivity at the Mela, the significance of the event in fostering Hindu unity, and how the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have transformed the Maha Kumbh Mela into a global celebration of spirituality.

Excerpts: Q: What role does the VHP play in organizing or supporting the Kumbh Mela? A: While the VHP doesn't directly organize the Kumbh Mela, we play a key role in ensuring wide participation.

We focus on inviting diverse communities, including tribal groups, Scheduled Castes, and religious leaders from different sects like Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.

Over the years, we've worked with the Uttar Pradesh government to encourage participation from regions such as South India, East India, and the Northeast, where involvement in past Mela events has been limited. We also invite saints and religious figures from around the world, organizing gatherings specifically for youth and women during the Sant Sammelan.

Q:Do people from other religions participate in the Kumbh Mela? A: We haven't extended direct invitations to people from other religions, our focus has been on inviting religious leaders from the Indic traditions, like Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, to join the event.