Russian, Ukrainian sadhus to pray for end to conflict during Maha Kumbh Mela

Sanatan followers from Russia and Ukraine will be praying for an end to the war on the Maha Kumbh Mela grounds at Prayagraj.

A spiritual centre, of wood and glass, is being readied for sadhus from the two countries. Besides regular prayers, spiritual discourses will also be conducted here.

They will come together to conduct a havan (fire ritual) for world peace and for peace between their two countries, which have been at war with each other for almost three years. Over 1,000 sadhus of different nationalities are expected to take part in this ritual. The havan has been named the Shivshakti Mahayagya.

The sadhus from Russia and Ukraine will also be staying in close proximity. Tents for them have been pitched in the camp site of the followers of the late Swami Somnath Giri who was popularly known as Pilot Baba who had set up ashrams in Japan. A trained pilot, he had attracted a number of foreign followers in his lifetime. He passed away in August this year.

Prayers and havan for peace will be conducted between January 25 and 30. These will be held under the leadership of Mahamandaleshwar Kaila Mata, who is of Japanese origin. Her official name is Keko Aikawa. It is under her guidance that saints from Australia, United Kingdom, America, Ireland and France will come to the Maha Kumbh Mela.

People from 140 countries are expected to be part of the Maha Kumbh Mela, which will kick off on January 13.

At the Nagar Pravesh (the symbolic entry of the akhara into the mela grounds) of the Juna akhara, two female saints from the two warring countries rode together. They are also set to participate in the shahi snans together.

More sadhus from these countries are expected to reach Prayagraj in January. Besides praying for peace, they will also distribute religious literature and preach the message of love, especially to foreigners.