Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand to Leave Magh Mela After 10-Day Sit-In Protest

Prayagraj: Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, who had been staging a sit-in outside his camp at Sector-4, Triveni Marg for the past 10 days during Magh Mela 2026, has announced that he will be leaving the fair. The religious leader cited the administration’s failure to apologize for the alleged mistreatment of his disciples and devotees as the reason for his decision to skip the Sangam bath.

In a press conference, Swami Avimukteshwaranand revealed that although the mela authorities had sent him a compromise letter, he refused to accept it. On Mouni Amavasya, when he and his followers—including disciples and young devotees—attempted to take a ceremonial dip in the Sangam, they were allegedly stopped and mistreated by police and administrative officials. In protest, he has now decided not to participate in the sacred ritual.

Support from Fellow Saints
On Tuesday, a large group of saints, led by Mahamandaleshwar Computer Baba, performed Dhuni sadhana outside Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s camp in support of his fast. While such rituals are normally conducted within the camp, this demonstration took place publicly outside his tent on Triveni Marg to show solidarity.

Allegations Against Police
According to reports, police reportedly blocked the Shankaracharya’s procession on Mouni Amavasya, citing violations such as breaking barricades, disturbing peace, and scuffles with officers. Some disciples and young devotees were allegedly detained, physically assaulted, and humiliated. Swami Avimukteshwaranand then refused to proceed for the Sangam bath. The palanquin carrying him was pushed out of the Sangam area by police and later returned to his camp at Sector-4, where he has remained for the past 10 days.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand has been using a vanity van stationed outside his camp for daily rituals, prayers, and rest. Following the 10-day protest, he has now confirmed that he will depart from the Magh Mela.