Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – Union Home Minister Amit Shah made headlines during the Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Foundation, where he praised the event for its significance as both a religious observance and an occasion for self-discovery.
Speaking at the global event, which began on February 26 at 6:00 PM and lasted through the night until 6:00 AM, Shah expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of the Isha Foundation. Shah described the celebrations as 'Bhakti ka Mahakumbh', showcasing the spirit of devotion shared across the nation.
“I extend my wishes on the occasion of Mahashivratri. I am very grateful I got the opportunity to come here at the invitation of Sadhguru,” Shah shared with the large gathering. He emphasized the festival not only as a time for religious observance but as an occasion of "self-awakening,” highlighting its importance to millions of Hindus across the country.
This year’s celebrations were poised against the backdrop of recent controversies over the Hindi imposition debate fueled by the Tamil Nadu ruling party, DMK, which has condemned the three-language policy of the National Education Policy 2020. Shah acknowledged this tension, apologizing for his inability to speak Tamil and affirming his respect for the regional language.
During his address, Shah elaborated on the role of the Isha Foundation, asserting, "The place you (Sadguru) have built is not only a pilgrim site but also a place of yoga, sadhana, devotion, repentance, and liberation." He pointed to the prominent 112-foot statue of Adiyogi as embodying the principles of spirituality, illustrating the diverse paths available for personal development.
Shah’s presence at the Isha Foundation was not merely ceremonial; it forged connections between faith and governance. He emphasized how Mahashivratri unites the nation, saying, “Today, the whole nation, from Somnath to Kedarnath, Pashupatinath to Rameswaram and Kashi to Coimbatore, is ‘Shivmay’.”
Significantly, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's comments commended Shah’s contributions to national unity. He compared Shah to India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, noting, “Our present Home Minister has done, in some ways, what Sardar Patel did at … stitching and uniting the nation.” This remark sparked considerable conversation about the merging of politics with spirituality, especially at such foundational celebrations.
Shah’s reflections on the event aligned with BJP’s broader narrative of portraying itself as central to cultural and religious festivals, broadening its outreach to religious demographics within India. He noted, “I was associated with Save Soil campaign. You ran a campaign to protect our most valuable heritage, soil, and gave a great message to the whole world to save the environment.” Such statements may reinforce BJP’s narrative among religious audiences and the youth.
The Mahashivratri celebrations also coincided with the concluding day of the Maha Kumbh gathering at Prayagraj, where millions took part, culminating the event with the much-anticipated ‘shahi snan’. While the Prayagraj gathering faced scrutiny due to logistical shortcomings, the spirit of devotion remained largely unshaken, emphasizing the broader cultural cohesion festivals like Mahashivratri represent.
Despite the celebrations' overwhelming spirit, the convergence of prominent political figures raises questions about the appropriation of cultural narratives for political gain. Shah’s appearances are part of BJP's strategic connections to the vast and varied religious sentiments across India, along with the potential repercussions these affiliations could entail.
Amit Shah’s visit and tributes during the event point to the state of faith and governance intertwining, showcasing how political figures leverage religious observances to galvanize public support. The effort is evident as they navigate complex cultural landscapes, where politics and religion are inseparable undertones of national identity.