The right to freedom of religion, which is protected by Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution, is closely related to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. It is the best example of religious freedom, which is fundamental to India’s democratic and secular system.The Maha Kumbh 2025, held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is a holy gathering of faith, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Known as the largest gathering in the world i.e. the Kumbh Mela attracts millions of devotees from across the world to the meeting of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the Saraswati, called the Triveni Sangam. The Kumbh Mela is a holy Hindu journey held every 12 years at 4 rotating cities which are Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The Maha Kumbh, which happens once every 144 years, is the most huge and auspicious of all Kumbh Melas.The origin of the Kumbh Mela lies in Hindu mythology, mainly the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) by gods and demons. During this auspicious event, drops of Amrit (potion of immortality) spilled over 4 places which are Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. It is believed that bathing in these divine rivers during the Maha Kumbh Mela will cleanse all sins, purify the soul, and release the person from the cycle of rebirth.
The government preserves the spirit of the right to religion by holding the Maha Kumbh while striking a balance with duties like upholding environmental sustainability and public order. The laws pertaining to public health, safety, and crowd management make sure that religious activities take place in harmony while upholding the rights of every citizen.India’s dedication to promoting religious harmony, cultural legacy, and constitutional ideals is best demonstrated by the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Legal Provisions for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
| Article | Provision | Relevance to Maha Kumbh Mela |
|---|---|---|
| Article 25 | Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion | Ensures every individual the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate their religion. The Maha Kumbh Mela allows millions of Hindu devotees to exercise this right by performing rituals like the Shahi Snan and attending religious discourses. |
| Article 26 | Freedom to manage religious affairs | Grants autonomy to religious denominations to manage their affairs. Akhadas, temple trusts, and other Hindu religious institutions organize rituals, processions, and ceremonies at the Maha Kumbh Mela, reflecting this right. |
| Article 27 | Freedom from taxes for promotion of religion | Prohibits the use of taxes for promoting a particular religion. The government ensures funds collected for the Maha Kumbh are used for public welfare and facilities, maintaining the secular ethos of the Constitution. |
| Article 28 | Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction | Protects individuals from being compelled to attend religious instruction. The Maha Kumbh Mela respects diverse beliefs, ensuring no compulsion to engage with specific religious teachings for participants of different faiths. |
| Legal Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibitory Orders U/S 163 Section of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 | Enforced by Prayagraj administration from 16th January to 28th February 2025, to control disruptions during the event. |
| Gathering Restrictions | Events, processions, and demonstrations require prior government approval. Protests allowed only at designated locations. |
| Ban on Drone Usage | Drones are banned except for police or administrative purposes during the event. |
| Weapon Restrictions | Prohibition on carrying weapons like sticks, axes, firearms, with exceptions for certain individuals (elderly, Sikhs with kirpans). |
| Speech & Publication Restrictions | Prohibits provoking speeches, publications, and spreading rumors or sensitive content through social media. |
| Audio-Visual Content Restrictions | Prohibition on selling or displaying content that could disrupt public peace. |
| Property Protection | Strict prohibition on damaging public or private property. |
| Traffic & Business Continuity | Blocking roads, causing unnecessary traffic, or forcibly shutting down businesses is prohibited. Distribution of essential goods must continue. |
| Social Media Monitoring | Monitoring of online platforms to prevent the spread of provocative or false information. |
Penalties for Violations:
- Fines or imprisonment under applicable Indian laws.
- Immediate legal action for-
- Unauthorized usage of drones.
- Provoking speeches or publications.
- Breaking of public order or causing damage to property.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 honours the principles of religious freedom guaranteed by Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution while also serving as a celebration of India’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy. The government guarantees an inclusive and peaceful celebration for millions of devotees by striking a balance between the legal frameworks and public safety measures and the holy traditions of this worldwide spiritual event. A proactive attitude to upholding public order and environmental sustainability is demonstrated by provisions like prohibitory orders, drone restrictions, and stringent laws governing social media, speeches, and firearms.
In addition to being an expression of faith, the Maha Kumbh is evidence of India’s commitment to preserving religious liberty, supporting peace, and advancing cultural cohesion. maintaining the harmonious coexistence of religion, law, and the well-being of society.
SOURCE-
