Prayagraj Magh Mela administration issues second notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati

The Prayagraj Magh Mela administration has issued a second notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, asking why the land and facilities allotted to his institution should not be canceled and why he should not be permanently barred from entering the fair.

The notice follows an incident on Mauni Amavasya , when the Swami allegedly broke through barricades at Reserved Bridge No. 2 while traveling in a horse-drawn chariot, despite strict instructions that only pedestrian movement was allowed due to severe crowd congestion.

According to the Mela authorities, the Swami’s actions created serious difficulties for crowd management . “Due to such entry, the possibility of a stampede and consequent serious loss of life could not be ruled out,” the notice stated, highlighting the potential risk to thousands of devotees present at the Sangam.

The administration has made it clear that safety protocols during Mauni Amavasya are non-negotiable, especially in densely crowded areas where breaches could lead to dangerous stampedes. The notice also seeks clarification on why the Swami’s facilities and allotted land at the fair should not be withdrawn in view of the incident.

This is the second notice issued to the Swami. Earlier, the Mela authorities had cited a Supreme Court order in a civil appeal which stated that until the appeal is decided, no religious head can be formally anointed as the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Peeth. The earlier notice pointed out that Swami Avimukteshwaranand had projected himself as the Shankaracharya on signboards at his camp during the 2025–26 Magh Mela, contrary to the court’s instructions.

The Prayagraj Mela administration emphasized that its actions are strictly in the interest of public safety and law enforcement , and that compliance with rules is essential to ensure orderly conduct during the festival attended by millions. Authorities have warned that continued non-compliance could result in permanent barring from the mela and cancellation of facilities.

The Swami’s office has disputed the notices, claiming they were backdated and communicated late , but the administration maintains that the measures are justified under the prevailing rules and court directives.