TNI Bureau: The controversy surrounding the organisation of the ‘Mahendra Mela’ at the historic Mahendragiri Hill in Odisha’s Gajapati district has intensified, with tribal groups raising serious allegations over illegal activities, encroachment and interference in their traditional religious practices.
Mahendragiri Hill is considered a sacred religious site and is closely associated with the heritage, culture and traditions of the local tribal community. The tribals of Baraghar village and the Mahendragiri Puja Committee have claimed that they have been protecting and conducting traditional worship, rituals and religious activities at the site for generations since the time of their forefathers.
The tribal groups alleged that some outsiders, including Swami Bhaskar Tirtha, also known as Laxmi Baba, and Prafulla Das, have illegally settled in the area and are allegedly harassing local priests and residents with the help of anti-social elements. They further alleged that certain influential political leaders and supporters, along with some local individuals, are carrying out activities in the name of development work in violation of the norms of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
According to the allegations, digging activities and the installation of artificial lingas and idols at different locations on the hill are damaging the natural environment and religious sanctity of Mahendragiri. The tribal groups claimed that rare medicinal plants, ancient idols and traditional religious sites are being destroyed due to such activities.
The protesters also alleged that some people operating under the name of “Mahendra Ashram” are involved in illegal activities, including the consumption of liquor, meat and ganja, as well as the smuggling of idols, lingams and medicinal plants. They further claimed that some lower-level local administrative employees are supporting these alleged illegal activities.
The tribal residents and priests stated that when they raised their voices against these issues, they were allegedly harassed through false cases, threats and intimidation. They claimed that repeated attempts were made to attack them and insult their family members, creating fear and insecurity among the local priest families and disrupting traditional worship practices.
In view of the situation, the tribal groups demanded an impartial administrative inquiry into all incidents taking place in the Mahendragiri region and sought legal action against those allegedly involved in illegal activities. They also appealed for protection of the social security, cultural rights, traditions and religious practices of the local tribal community.
Amid the growing dispute, tribal residents of Baragharia village and members of the Biswabasu Sabara Sanskriti Manch met the district administration and demanded that the alleged one-sided conduct of the Mahendra Mela programme be stopped. A meeting was held in the presence of Gajapati Collector Akshaya Sunil Agrawal, in-charge SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M., Berhampur MP Dr. Pradeep Panigrahy, representatives of the opposing groups and committee members.
During the discussions, the protesting groups placed several demands before the administration. Although the protest staged by the Manch was later withdrawn, representatives stated that the meeting failed to reach a final conclusion. They alleged that despite repeatedly informing the administration about their concerns, the programme was being conducted through one-sided decisions.
A detailed discussion was held in the Collector’s conference hall, but no final resolution could be achieved even after prolonged deliberations. The SP later stated that another meeting involving both sides would be convened soon and that a peace committee would be formed to resolve the dispute amicably.
Meanwhile, Sanatan supporters and several local organisations opposed the protest against the mela. In response, the Sabara Samaj Kalyan Samiti and Mahendra Unnayan Seva Samiti organised a large public gathering in support of the Mahendra Mela. They stated that the mela is an inseparable part of their culture and tradition and asserted that it cannot be stopped under any circumstances.
Supporters of the mela termed the opposition by the Biswabasu Sabara Sanskriti Suraksha Manch as unjustified and said they would not allow any attempt to stop the event. Hundreds of members from organisations including the Vishva Hindu Parishad, Sabara community groups, Vanabasi Kalyan Ashram, Mahendra Unnayan Samiti and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh participated in the protest rally in support of the mela.
