Kumbh pilgrims oppose visit of Swami Nithyananda

Allahabad, Feb 4: Normally stoic Indians are in a mood to challenge established views and those harming values. And

is one of those tasting the wrath of people. the controversial godman's visit to

is being opposed by the

.

Nithyananda is expected to reach Kumbh mela township today (Feb 4) and stay at the holy place for ten days. His followers have erected a huge pandal. What attracted the attention of the people to the pandal and subsequent campaign against the swamy was the 8-ft statue of his installed at the pandal.

His followers were doing daily puja to the huge statue of his and holding meditation sessions. But these holy rituals do not seem to have any difference to the public mood.

A section of pilgrims have met distirct administration and sought to put restrictions of Nithyananda. They are enraged by the fact that a person like Nithyananda coyuld be coming to the holy place considering charges against him. The pilgrims have also expressed their anger about the activities in the Nithyananda pandal.

No Bollywood promotion

Earlier, the district administration had banned the visit of Bollywood stars from promoting their upcoming films.

"Since we do not want any stampede-like situation at the congregation, we are going to write to various filmmakers who may be planning to visit the congregation along with their cast and crew members," Divisional Commissioner of Allahabad Devesh Chaturvedi has said

"We are going to make it clear that no promotional activity by those in the film industry will be allowed at the Kumbh. They may, however, visit the congregation privately for taking a holy dip at the Sangam or participating in religious discourses.

"They will have to ensure that their tour remains inconspicuous, without any fanfare and they must not come on main bathing festivals like Mauni Amavasya (Feb 10) and Basant Panchmi (Feb 15) when the influx of visitors to the city is exceptionally higher than usual," Chaturvedi said.

He, however, added, "Film personalities may undertake publicity work in parts of the cities that are not in the vicinity of the Kumbh area, on days other than the bathing festivals."

OneIndia News