Bishops Visit Hindu Pilgrimage Site to Promote Inter–Religious Harmony

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – In one of the largest and most sacred Hindu festivals held in the heartland of India visited by hundreds of thousands of Hindus, a group of Catholic bishops visited the pilgrimage site in an attempt to foster inter–religious harmony and understanding.

Archbishop of Bhopal, Dr. Pascal Topno, accompanied by Bishops George Anathil of Indore and Sebastian Vadakkel of Ujjain led a three–member group that went in middle–April to the site of the Kumbh Mela (pitcher festival). The religious pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of four predetermined locations in India, Ujjain being one of them. Attended by millions of people each time, it holds the record of being the largest pilgrimage gatherings around the world.

Impressed by the magnitude of the crowd and the faith of the Hindu pilgrims, the Archbishop, head of the Council of Bishops of Madhya Pradesh, described the daylong visit as a "wonderful experience and excellent opportunity to express the Church's commitment to communal harmony and respect for other faiths."

The month–long mela commenced on April 5 in Ujjain, 775 kilometers south of New Delhi. On that day, it is reported that an estimated 2.5 million people immersed themselves in the Ksipra, the river that flows through Madhya Pradesh state’s temple town. An estimated 30 million Hindu ascetics and pilgrims are expected to ritually cleanse their sins in the river before the festival ends.

The archbishop told a news channel that the bishops met pilgrims staying in makeshift tents, introduced themselves as Christians and inquired about their well–being. "The pilgrims showed no dislike or hostility towards us though we expressly identified ourselves as Christians," he added. They also understood the significance religion plays in one’s life, he said.

Earlier, Ujjain diocese had opened a dispensary at the mela site to treat pilgrims and show the Church's concern for religious harmony.

During the festival, hundreds of thousands of people camp along the river and survive on meager food, waiting their turn for a holy bath. They believe a dip in the river at astrologically auspicious times will wash away their sins.

According to news report, in Ujjain, Mahant Jagadish Das Tyagi said that he was happy about the Catholic leaders' visit. He said the bishops inquired about his health, which no one else had done since his arrival. The Hindu pilgrim regretted that religion was being used to incite hatred and intolerance for selfish political gains. The bishops' visit would help build "communal harmony and brotherhood," he said.

Mahant Ramdas, another pilgrim said that he was "happy" that the bishops asked him about the festival. "They were keen to know more about the mela," he added. According to him, it "was a good sign" that bishops visited the site to "learn about our religious practice" first–hand. Such initiatives to know about each other should come from all religions, he added.

Incidentally, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a series of attacks against Christians in the past few months. Some Christians view the attacks as a sign that the pro–Hindu party that has gained power in the state recently is impliedly supporting the Hindu bigots.

Bishop Anathil of Indore expressed hope that the visit would develop "mutual respect for religions, which is a need of the time." "This is really an enriching trip," he said.

Bishop Vadakkel of Ujjain, who has been visiting the festival site often, said the Church initiative to interact with Hindu pilgrims during the festival has helped gain confidence and "build up greater cooperation and mutual trust." "Our visits to the Hindu pilgrimage site will continue," he added.

Let us hope that the Holy Spirit will reach out to the hearts of the Hindu pilgrims who are seeking the Lord and many will find the true Lord that they are seeking during this month–long festival.

By our special correspondent