PRAYAGRAJ: The Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) has declared that goods will now be purchased exclusively from Hindu shopkeepers. The decision was made to ensure that goods procured by followers of Sanatan Dharm only, as well as for religious purposes, adhere to what ABAP perceives as traditional values. Mahamandaleshwars , Mandaleshwars, and saints across the country have been instructed to buy from Hindu-owned shops, and the faithful are also encouraged to do the same.
The Akhada Parishad’s statement explained that only shops displaying the name of the Hindu owner, along with visible religious symbols, would be chosen. Additionally, they specified that goods for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Bhandara will be sourced from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist vendors in Prayagraj. ABAP chief Mahant Ravindra Puri emphasised that the directive stemmed from a concern over purported incidents where impure substances, including saliva and urine were mixed into items meant for worship.
He stated that these acts, circulated widely on social media, led to this decision as a way to uphold the sanctity of their practices. Puri also called on the government to enact strict laws to prevent such instances, and he urged religious leaders from other communities to speak out against any actions that might defile sacred rituals. The Akhada Parishad clarified that there is no ban on Muslims attending the Maha Kumbh, with Puri reaffirming their commitment to “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” the concep.
