‘Simhastha Parva’ – Nasik !
Devotees believe in making offerings during this auspicious period but they cannot distinguish between a fake and real ‘sadhu’ and these beggars are taking advantage !
Nasik (Maharashtra) : Hundreds of beggars have come from other States and they wear robes like ‘Sadhus’; beg for alms and loot devotees at ‘Ram-kund’. Such incidents are insult of genuine ‘sadhus’ and holy ‘Kumbh-Parva’, feel citizens.
Thousands of ‘Sadhus-Saints’ and devotees are coming to Nasik for Simhastha ‘Kumbh-Parva’. Owing to the importance of holy bath during ‘Kumbh-Mela’, devotees are crowding this place; but hundreds of beggars have come from other States and taking disadvantage of this situation.
Some of them have grown their beards and hair and wearing saffron robes like ‘sadhus’, they are cheating devotees. Devotees believe in making offerings during this auspicious period but they cannot distinguish between a fake and real ‘sadhu’ and these beggars are taking advantage. These fake ‘sadhus’ are roaming in the area of ‘Rama-kunda’ and they beg. Sometimes they do not leave devotees unless something is given to them.
Devotees coming from other places; therefore, might get wrong impression that all ‘sadhus’ beg. Also, people coming from other countries will not know our true culture. These things are creating bad impression of ‘Kumbh-Parva’ not only in our country but also in other countries.
These things are happening in front of police but they are turning a blind eye.
Devotees now expect that ‘Akhadas’ should do something to prevent such beggars posing as ‘sadhus’ so that millions of devotees can peacefully have holy bath.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
