During January 25-30, 2023, the Godri village in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon District played host to the Banjara Kumbh in response to the rising problem of Christian missionaries. The Banjara people gathered from all around the country for this Kumbh and vowed to battle against these enemies. There are many leftist-liberals who just can’t seem to swallow the idea that the Banjaras and other nomadic people are vital to Hindu culture and a pillar of old Bhartiya civilization.
Aim of the Banjara Kumbh
The Banjara Kumbh Mela, a humongous gathering of the Banjara community, was recently held in Maharashtra, India. The event was attended by thousands of Banjara people from all over India, as well as spiritual leaders and social activists. This is first of its kind gathering conducted by Akhil Bharatiya Gor Banjara and Labana Nayakada community. It was conducted till 30th January.
Many deliberations and discussions held over these six days which focused on how Christians are attacking the core of Hindu Dharma. The increase in the population of Christian will pose a threat of breaking of the country.
The theme of this year’s Banjara Kumbh was “fighting against evil forces”, with a particular focus on combating against rampant Christianisation of these people. The event featured speeches, religious rituals, and cultural performances, all aimed at promoting a message of awareness against the conversions and unity among the Banjara people.
Banjaras are Under attack
Babusingh ji Maharaj who is a respectable saint from the Banjara community asserted that Banjaras are being converted by Christian missionaries on a large scale. 3000 of Banjara colonies, which are known as Tandas are under active control of the Christian Missionaries. There are in total, 11,500 Tandas of Banjaras all across India.
The two significant resolutions were passed in the Kumbh that as the Banjaras are under the venomous grip of Christians. Banjaras who were once the protector of the Dharma are now victims of the evil forces.
The Sabha demanded that anti-conversion laws must be implemented in the states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as soon as possible. The other important resolution states that in every Tanda of the Banjaras temples of Balaji, Jagadamba Mata and Bhagwan Shri Krishna will be built. And every morning and evening artis will be performed where the families have to actively engage in the Dharmic rituals.
The Banjara community, also known as the Lambadi community, is one of India’s largest nomadic groups, and is found primarily in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The community has historically faced social and economic marginalization, and has struggled to gain access to basic services such as education and healthcare.
History of the Banjaras
The Banjaras are believed to have originated in Rajasthan, and are known for their skills in trade, especially in the transportation of goods. They were traditionally involved in carrying goods and commodities from one place to another on bullock carts. The Banjaras played a significant role in the trade and commerce of medieval India, and their contribution was crucial in the development of the country’s economy.
Over time, the Banjaras spread to different parts of India, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka after the attack of Aurangzeb on them. They adopted the language and culture of the regions they migrated to, while also retaining their unique identity. The British colonisers were the biggest persecutors of these people. Many restrictions were imposed on the Banjaras, which limited their ability to travel and trade. Banjaras were treated and labelled as ‘criminal tribes’ and demeaned by the British. Despite these challenges, the Banjaras have maintained their rich cultural heritage of ancient Dharma, which includes music, dance, and craftwork. They are known for their colourful clothing and jewellery, which reflect their unique identity.
Nomads of India are like the cultural and Dharmic messengers. It is now a known fact that the Romani people also known as gypsies are the Hindus who were once persecuted during Islamic attacks and left their homes. They still bear the identity of the Dharma and are spread across the world.
Conclusion
The significance of this event can be seen by the civilizational importance of uniting every aspect of Hindu society. In the concluding session, Yogi Adityanath was present as the Chief Guest. He reiterated that nobody will tolerate this onslaught on the Banjaras and nobody can indulge in such unlawful conversion activities. Devendra Fadanavis, Deputy CM of Maharashtra also attended the event online where he recalled, “when Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur was killed in Delhi, it was Bhai Lakshishah Banjara who fought the enemies to retrieve the body and carry out funeral rites”.
References
- https://organiser.org/2023/02/02/107006/bharat/resolution-to-fight-against-evil-forces-here-are-the-outcomes-of-banjara-kumbh/
- https://organiser.org/2023/01/28/106470/bharat/conversion-racket-active-in-3000-banjara-colonies-babusinghji-maharaj-at-banjara-kumbh/
- https://www.indiaprofile.com/lifestyle/banjaras.htm