The renowned night pilgrimage led by Sant Premanand Maharaj has been halted indefinitely due to health concerns and growing community protests over noise pollution. This decision has left thousands of devotees disheartened, as they traveled from far locations to witness the revered Maharaj's demonstrations of faith.
For over two decades, Sant Premanand Maharaj, who has been battling kidney issues requiring regular dialysis, performed nightly processions through Vrindavan. The pilgrimage, traditionally taking place at 2 AM from the Shri Krishna Sharanam Ashram to the serene Ramana Reti, was beloved by many who came to seek his blessings. Now, the Maharaj will make the same trip by car, marking a significant deviation from the decades-old tradition.
On February 8, Maharaj traveled from the Shri Krishna Sharanam Society to Keliy Kunj Ashram via car, leaving at 4 AM instead of the usual 2 AM start. The new route, which includes passing by the Prem Mandir and the Raman Reti police station, has increased the distance by half a kilometer. Despite the logistical changes, many local residents voiced their concerns about the disruptive noise and crowds, particularly during the late hours. The protests culminated when members of the NRI Green Society, particularly some women, took to the streets with banners expressing their distress over the situation.
Reportedly, the protests had begun earlier when women from the society complained about difficulties sleeping due to the loud drums and fireworks accompanying the nightly processions. They argued their complaints were not against Maharaj himself, but aimed at reducing the chaos and noise affecting their community. This grievance was reportedly taken seriously by the ashram administration, leading to the decision to suspend the night pilgrimage.
The NRI Green Society's members highlighted during the protests how the cacophony made it challenging for them to rest, stating, "The excessive noise makes it difficult for us to sleep," reflecting the frustration echoed by others living near the pilgrimage routes. The protests gained traction just two days before the pilgrimage was announced as indefinitely suspended.
Maharaj's followers were dismayed at the abrupt halt of the pilgrimage, expressing sentiments of deep disappointment. Many devoted followers would typically stand along the roads leading to the ashram during the early morning hours, eagerly awaiting the Maharaj's arrival. A large segment of the community was heartbroken upon learning of the postponement of the cherished ritual, which not only served as a moment of reverence but also as communal bonding.
One devotee who traveled from Beelwara mentioned, "We came here for the darshan of Maharaj, but we will simply pray for his recovery." Despite their own disappointment, many expressed good wishes for the Maharaj's health, indicating the strong emotional connection between the community and Sant Premanand Maharaj.
The ashram administration clarified the temporary change was primarily due to the Maharaj’s declining health, which has caused him to undergo dialysis sessions four to five times weekly now, rather than the three sessions he was previously undergoing.
This shift has created tension between the devotees who desire routine darshan and residents seeking peace and quiet. The local community's concerns represent broader issues about balancing religious practices and local living conditions, especially when significant numbers of devotees gather to witness such rituals.
Moving forward, the ashram’s management has committed to re-evaluate the pilgrimage's status once Maharaj's health improves, asking devotees for patience during this time of adjustment. Until then, the community grapples with their hopes for Maharaj's recovery and the desire for peaceful nights free from raucous celebrations.
Such changes, stemming from health concerns and community feedback, signify the complex dynamics at play within religious practices and urban environments. It poses soul-searching questions about the balance between devotion and the quality of life for nearby residents and the capacity to harmonize shared spaces.