Justice Markandey Katju criticizes the Kumbh Mela 2025 in Allahabad, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, where 400 million Hindus are expected to participate, believing a bath in the sacred Sangam will cleanse their sins. He deems this belief as superstition, opposing government expenditure of approximately Rs 9,000 crores on the event. Katju argues that this funding contradicts India’s secular constitution, which mandates a separation of religion from state affairs. He advocates for the use of these funds for public welfare like education and health. Additionally, he condemns the political exploitation of the Mela by BJP for electoral gains, as evidenced by the omnipresent images of Modi and Yogi Adityanath.
Tag: Kumbh Mela 2025
Justice Katju Critiques Government Funding for Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj
The Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu religious gathering, is set to begin in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, with an estimated 400 million attendees. Despite being an atheist, Justice Katju supports religious freedom but objects to the substantial government funding for the event, questioning the secular nature of India. He criticizes the expenditure on religious events like the Ram Temple and Kumbh Mela, arguing that such funds should aid public welfare. He also challenges the superstitious belief that bathing at the confluence of rivers can cleanse sins, suggesting it conflicts with the constitutional duty to promote scientific temper.