After establishing the government in 2018, the previous Congress government changed the name to “Raji Punni Mela.” After taking power in 2018, the Congress government renamed the religious gathering “Rajim Punni Mela.” The Bhratiya Jantha Party’s (BJP) government is expected to rename the event “Rajim Kumbh Mela.” According to those familiar with the situation, the decision in this regard will probably be made during the second cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Every year, thousands of Hindus gather at Rajim, which is in the Gariyaband district, for the annual Rajim Kumbh pilgrimage, during which they bathe in the holy river. Similar to Pryagaraj in Uttar Pradesh, Rajim also observes the “Kalpwas’ ‘ ceremony. A ritual known as the “fifth Kumbh” is carried out by the Rajim religious community close to the sacred confluence of the Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur rivers. On February 22, the congregation will begin and last over the next fifteen days. Following the formation of the government in 2019, the Congress declared that they were bringing back the congregation’s original name.
The party contended that the previous name was Rajim Magh Punii Mela, not Rajim Kumbh, and that the 2006 name change to Kumbh Mela was made for political purposes by the BJP government. A top BJP politician stated, “We are hoping that the congregation’s name will be renamed as Rajim Kumbh Mela in this cabinet only.” According to people with knowledge of the situation, the plans that the Congress government started five years ago will also be discussed further.
According to a leader with knowledge of the situation, issues such as approving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to look into instances in Chhattisgarh will also be discussed during the meeting. The state administration resolved to give the overdue bonus of 2017-2018 on paddy procurement on December 25 during the first cabinet meeting, held on December 14. They also declared that 18 lakh households will be beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
With millions of followers from both India and overseas, the Rajim Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest festivals of faith in India. It is held in different parts of India. Millions of devotees of Sage, Saints, Mahama, Rishi Muni, and Margadharas Guru went to Rajim Aquarius for the festival every year. In order to participate in the special pooja performed at midnight, the devotees come forward one day to Rajim and the holy sanctum in Sangam, Triveni Sangam, of the three holy rivers. Prayag Mahaladi, known as being situated at the convergence of the rivers Peri and Sondur, is considered the heart of the Aquarius “5” on Earth.
There is a lot of interest in the Rajim Lochan Mahotsav. In addition to seeing the amazing architectural skill on display at the Rajimalochana Temple, visitors also get the opportunity to partake in the festivities and pleasure of the fair. The Chhatisgarh Ministry of Tourism has also shown a great deal of initiative in recent years to arrange the Rajim Kumbh Mela on a grander scale.