The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad announced on Wednesday that it has chosen to rename the terms "Shahi Snan" and "Peshwai" as "Rajsi Snan" and "Chhavni Pravesh" and to forbid "non-Sanatanis" from setting up food stalls during the Kumbh Mela.

The parishad stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been advised of the change in Urdu terms and that an announcement on the subject is expected shortly. A resolution regarding the food stall requirements will be passed by the seers' body and presented to the chief minister for approval after Diwali.

In order to preserve the fair's integrity, it further stated that it will also approve a resolution permitting the deployment of only "Sanatani" personnel and officers during the Kumbh Mela. "In a meeting held recently at Niranjani Akhara in Prayagraj, a proposal has been passed to change the names and the chief minister has been informed about it. He may soon make a formal announcement in this regard," Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad chief Ravindra Puri informed PTI.

Following the announcement last month by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to refer to Mahakal's procession in Ujjain as "Rajsi Sawaari" rather than "Shahi Sawaari," the Akhara Parishad also emphasised the use of Hindi words rather than Urdu. "Shahi Snan" is the name of the bath the saints of the Akharas take, and "Peshwai" is the name of the procession that takes place from the Akhara's ashram to the fair area. This custom dates back many centuries. 

Citing recent instances of food adulteration at various locations across the nation, Puri objected to the establishment of food stalls by adherents of other religions during the Kumbh Mela. The Akhara Parishad chief asserted, "Recently, many incidents have come to light such as mixing of urine in juice, and spitting in food, among others. All Sanatanis will be Hindus in the Kumbh Mela… so it will not be tolerated if someone defiles things and feeds them."

"Non-Sanatanis will not be allowed to set up food stalls in the fair. For this, the Akhara Parishad will hold a meeting after Diwali and pass a resolution which will be submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath," added Puri. In order to preserve the fair's integrity, he said, the Akhara Parishad also wants the officers and staff stationed in the Kumbh Mela region to be "Sanatanis." According to him, a proposal in this regard will also be passed.

In the meantime, the body has chosen to assign Kumbh duty to police officers who abstain from alcohol and meat. Rajesh Dwivedi, Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh Mela), stated that since Maha Kumbh is a religious celebration, police officers are also expected to abstain from alcohol and meat consumption, as they are forbidden throughout the fair area. Dwivedi stated that a background check will be conducted before the police officers are deployed. 

Nirmohi, Nirvani, Digamber, Mahanirvani, Atal, Bada Udasin, Nirmal, Niranjani, Juna, Avahan, Anand, Agni, and Naya Udasin are among the thirteen primary Akharas recognised by the Akhara Parishad.