On Sunday (12th January), popular ‘news curator’ Mario Nawfal courted controversy after he tried to pass off the Maha Kumbh Mela as a ‘BJP-backed celebration of Hindu heritage.’
Nawfal, a Dubai-based entrepreneur known for sharing news stories from around the world, falsely claimed that the auspicious Hindu festival is motivated by politics.
“The event costs $765 million and is seen as a BJP-backed celebration of Hindu heritage,” he falsely claimed in a tweet. Nawfal had quoted Reuters as his source behind the claim.
In its politically charged report published on Sunday (12th January), Reuters claimed, “A successful Maha Kumbh is expected to burnish the BJP’s record of reclaiming and glorifying India’s religious and cultural symbols for its Hindu base, promised by Modi and Adityanath since their Hindu nationalist party swept to power nationally in 2014.“
This blatant, political misrepresentation of the Maha Kumbh Mela may have contributed to Mario Nawfal’s distorted understanding of the Hindu festival.
The Holy city of Prayarag, hosting the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, falls in the State of Uttar Pradesh. The incumbent government in the State is run by the BJP.
In that context, the Uttar Pradesh government is involved in the smooth organisation of the festival and ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims. The Hindu festival is older than the existence of all political parties.
What is Maha Kumbh Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The Hindu festival is held every 12 years at one of four sacred river locations in India – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
It holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. Devotees take a dip in the holy river during the Kumbh Mela to wash away their sins and attain salvation (moksha).
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela will start on 13th January this year and end on 26 February. The Hindu festival will last 44 days. It will include mass pilgrimages, rituals, and Shahi Snans.