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India’s rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual heritage has long been symbolized by its vibrant Hindu festivals and religious gatherings. However, these events, revered for their unity and sanctity, are increasingly coming under attack. A recent chilling example occurred on January 12, 2025, when the Tapti-Ganga Express, carrying pilgrims to the revered Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, was pelted with stones near Jalgaon, Maharashtra. This act of hostility is part of a growing trend that threatens to erode the harmony associated with such festivals.
A Disturbing Attack: The Tapti-Ganga Express Incident
The assault on the Tapti-Ganga Express is emblematic of a rising pattern of violence targeting pilgrims. The Mahakumbh, a globally celebrated spiritual congregation, became the backdrop for this appalling act. Passengers onboard shared their ordeal through social media, capturing viral footage that vividly showed the terror they faced. Many urged the Prime Minister and Railway Minister to bolster security for devotees traveling to the Mahakumbh.
One passenger shared their harrowing experience, stating, “The train carrying us for the sacred royal bath was attacked with stones. If the glass had shattered inward, many of us would have been seriously hurt. We urgently need safety measures.” Such incidents are not rare. Similar attacks were reported in 2024, targeting trains ferrying devotees to Ayodhya and other spiritual hubs, especially in regions plagued by illegal encroachments near railways.
A Growing Wave of Hostility
The incident near Jalgaon starkly reminds us of past tragedies, such as the 2002 Godhra train burning, where 59 karsevaks returning from Ayodhya lost their lives. Increasingly, Hindu religious events are being marred by stone-pelting, communal clashes, and violence, signaling a calculated attempt to disrupt India’s spiritual and cultural traditions. Events like Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, and Durga Puja have repeatedly been targeted, while communal tensions during the Brijmandal Yatra in Haryana’s Nuh district reflect this dangerous trend.
In October 2024, a young man in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, was brutally murdered for taking part in a Hindu procession. His killing, reportedly involving severe torture, underscores the growing audacity of such attacks and the lack of deterrence.
Politics of Appeasement
The escalation of violence against Hindu festivals also exposes the role of political appeasement in exacerbating communal divisions. Accusations of vote-bank politics have surfaced in several states, where restrictions on Hindu celebrations have emboldened disruptive elements. A controversial example was the West Bengal government’s decision in 2022 to limit Durga idol immersions to avoid overlapping with Muharram processions, a move criticized as prioritizing appeasement over cultural traditions.
An Alarming National Security Risk
Illegal encroachments along railway tracks, often dominated by specific communities, add a troubling dimension to this issue. These areas are not only hotbeds for anti-social activities but also pose severe threats to national infrastructure and societal peace. Resolute legal action is needed to clear such encroachments and mitigate the risks of future disruptions.
Safeguarding India’s Spiritual Legacy
The Mahakumbh, a beacon of unity and faith, draws millions of devotees and admirers from around the world. However, attacks on its pilgrims reveal a deeper intent to fracture India’s cultural and spiritual fabric. Such incidents are not just acts of violence against individuals but also attempts to undermine the country’s secular ethos and unity. Resolute measures must be taken to preserve the sanctity of these sacred events and ensure that India’s spiritual legacy remains unshaken.
