Discrimination in Mahakumbh Mela - Is Religion A Business?

You all must have heard “Bhagwan ke ghar mein sab barabar hai” or “Everyone is equal before God”. But is this really true? 

Source - Spitz

Religion - A Business 

Unfortunately, religion has become a business these days which gives unfair advantage to economically powerful sections of society. Religion has increasingly taken on a business-like nature, with many organizations focusing on profit alongside spiritual guidance. This shift has led to the commercialization of faith, where religious institutions often market services and products, raising questions about the authenticity of their spiritual missions.

Discrimination in Religious Places 

Discrimination in religious places is a complex and multifaceted issue that can manifest in various forms, affecting individuals and communities based on their beliefs, practices, gender, race, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. 

 

Caste-based Discrimination

Caste-based discrimination in religious places is a significant issue that reflects the intersection of social stratification and religious practices, particularly in countries like India where the caste system has deep historical roots. This discrimination can manifest in various ways, affecting individuals' access to religious spaces, participation in rituals, and overall acceptance within religious communities. 

In many regions, individuals from lower castes, especially Dalits, have been denied entry to temples or specific areas within them. This exclusion is often justified by traditional beliefs about purity and pollution. There are many temples which have history of not letting Dalits (Untouchables) enter like Kalliamman Temple, Mupidathi Amman Temple, Thenmudiyanur Village Temple etc. 

Gender Based Discrimination 

Gender-based discrimination in religious places is a significant issue that affects the participation and rights of women and gender minorities in various faith traditions around the world. This discrimination can manifest in numerous ways, including restricted access to sacred spaces, exclusion from leadership roles, and limitations on participation in rituals and ceremonies.

Several temples around the world have been noted for gender-based discrimination against women. For instance, the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala, India, historically barred women of menstruating age from entering, a practice that faced legal challenges and was deemed discriminatory by the Supreme Court. Additionally, in some BAPS Swaminarayan temples, women may be required to sit behind men during worship, reflecting ongoing gender biases. 

Economic Discrimination

“Economic Discrimination” or “Religious Elitism” is the practice that highlights the inequalities in access to religious experiences based on socioeconomic status. This form of discrimination manifests in various ways, including unequal access to religious services, rituals, and spaces, often privileging wealthier individuals while marginalizing those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. 

In many religious institutions, wealthier individuals may have preferential access to certain services, such as private prayers, special rituals, or exclusive events. This can create a tiered system where the rich can pay for enhanced spiritual experiences, while the poor are left with limited options.

Religious Elitism at SiddhiVinayak Temple

The famous SiddhiVinayak Temple in Mumbai is a classic example of this through the VIP culture and preferential treatment based on financial contributions. At Siddhivinayak Temple, there are multiple queues for devotees, with the longest line for ordinary worshippers moving slowly, while those who pay higher donations can access faster lines.

Influential individuals, including politicians and celebrities, often bypass the queues entirely, entering through private entrances, which reinforces a hierarchy based on social status and wealth. Therefore while common people are pushed and thrown with no time to even touch their foreheads at Bappa’s feet (especially during Ganesh Chaturthi), the influential section of society can stand in front of God however long they want.

This practice raises ethical questions about the commercialization of faith, suggesting that devotion is measured in monetary terms rather than sincerity. The temple's practices reflect broader societal issues of economic inequality, where access to spiritual experiences is dictated by financial means.

Discrimination in Mahakumbh Mela

The Mahakumbh Mela is a significant religious festival which happens once in 144 years in India, attracting millions of devotees from around the world.  The 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj is expected to draw around 400 million people over its duration, making it the largest religious gathering globally. The Mahakumbh Mela, while a grand spiritual gathering, often sees certain groups, such as affluent devotees and influential figures, receiving preferential treatment during rituals and access to sacred sites. 

Prayagraj is not the same Prayagraj for every devotee. It is divided into two - one for people with influential money and one for the rest of India. While common people are finding it difficult to even reach there facing hours and hours of traffic jams, being pushed and thrown, struggling to take a holy dip somehow; rich can easily roam around and offer their prayers at their ease.  

In a horrifying incident, a tragic crowd crush occurred on January 28 at the Maha Kumbh Mela resulting in at least 30 fatalities and over 60 injuries. The incident happened during a significant bathing ritual, raising concerns about safety measures and crowd management at such a massive religious gathering. The tragedy has raised awareness about the need for inclusivity and safety in large gatherings, emphasizing the importance of protecting all attendees, regardless of their background.

Final Note

 

Religious discrimination remains a pervasive issue that undermines the fundamental principles of equality, respect, and coexistence in diverse societies. Whether manifested through economic elitism in religious spaces, unequal access to spiritual practices, or social ostracism based on belief systems, the consequences of such discrimination are far-reaching. It not only alienates individuals from their faith communities but also perpetuates broader societal inequalities, hindering social cohesion and mutual understanding.

This is Kaliyuga where we are living. Even Bhakti is not the same for everyone. People with money have prime access to even God while rest are just struggling to even pray for their betterment. 

Written By - Diya Sehrawat 

Disclaimer - This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - diyasehrawat03@gmail.com