Make I-Cards Mandatory for Entry to Kumbh Mela, Proposes Highest Body of Sadhus

Lucknow: The All India Akhara Parishad, the highest body of sadhus in India has proposed the Uttar Pradesh government to restrict entry of people to the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad by making valid i-cards mandatory for visits to the greatest religious gathering.

Kumbh Mela is to be held in Allahabad from January 14 to February 26, 2025.

Swami Hari Giri, the secretary of the All India Akhara Parishad said there is the need for visitors to present a valid identity card with an attested photocopy for entry. Speaking to newsmen in Allahabad, Giri said, “This order is necessary for the protection of the Kumbh Mela at Sangam. Hatred is growing in the society and more and more people are turning violent. We need to restrict the entry of unidentified people into the mela.”

“We have suggested that the state government ensure that only those with a valid identity card and an attested copy of an identity proof enter the mela,” Giri said. According to him, these i-cards have to be attested by a gazetted officer, municipal councillor, panchayat chief.

“The shopkeepers near the Kumbh Mela should also be asked to declare their identities (write their names) on the nameplates of their eateries and other shops to avoid confusion”, he added.