By Justice Katju
The Kumbh Mela ( a religious congregation of Hindus ) is commencing in Prayag ( Allahabad ) in UP, India from 13th January this year and will last till 26th February. It is estimated that 400 million people, mostly Hindus, from all over the world will come on this occasion.
Though an atheist, I am a strong supporter of religious freedom. Hence I have no objection to such congregations.
However, I have objection to doling out thousands of crores of rupees by the Central and State Government on such gatherings
Why should such huge amount be taken from the public coffers for such a religious event, money which should have been spent on the welfare of our people ?
India claims to be a secular country, and that is mentioned in our Constitution. But what kind of secularism is it when huge sums of public funds are spent on constructing a Ram Temple in Ayodhya or on Melas ?
People have a bath in the sangam ( the confluence of the Ganga and Jamuna rivers in Prayag ) during this event under the belief that this washes off their sins ( paap) and earns spiritual benefit ( punya).
But is this not sheer superstition and nonsense ? How can having a bath wash off sins ? One is entitled to be foolish and believe in nonsense. But should the government promote superstitions by financially supporting them ? Is this not violation of Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution which states that it shall be the duty of all citizens ( which would include government authorities) to promote the scientific temper ?
Some people invited me to come to Allahabad on this occasion. I replied that I have no desire to participate in foolishness and stupidity
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