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Digital Desk: The Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025 at Prayagraj, has been attended by millions of devotees from all around the globe who seek to attain the path of Moksha or emancipation. The Mela is an integral part of
Digital Desk: The Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025 at Prayagraj, has been attended by millions of devotees from all around the globe who seek to attain the path of Moksha or emancipation. The Mela is an integral part of Indian tradition, taking place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, at Triveni Sangam.
A 13-year-old teenage girl, Rakhi Dhakre, who dreamt of becoming a Civil Servant, expressed her desire to become a sadhvi at the Mela. Rakhi Dhakre, also known as Sanyasini Gauri Giri, said that her parents accepted her decision to become a sadhvi. The teenage girl was initiated into spiritual life under the guidance of Mahant Kaushal Giri Maharaj.
Rakhi was reportedly “donated” to the spiritual path by her parents at birth and had been preparing for this moment since the age of 11. Now, she has also taken Guru Diksha.
Speaking to a news agency, her mother Reema Singh said, "Mahant Kaushal Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara has been visiting our village for the past three years to conduct Bhagwat Katha sessions. It was during one such session that my daughter Rakhi took her guru diksha."
However, her initiation as a sadhvi has sparked significant controversy. The Juna Akhara, the ancient Hindu spiritual practice, expelled Mahant Kaushal Giri for seven years for violating its rules by initiating a minor. The Juna Akhara said that one must be at least 22 years old to make such
decisions.
The event was also criticized by the child rights activists. They called it a violation of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Right to Education Act. The activists had argued that children should not be treated as commodities to be “donated” and deserve the right to education and a childhood.
Following the controversy, the teenage girl returned to her family in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The incident has precipitated stricter regulations within the Juna Akhara to ensure that only adults are allowed to take vows of renunciation in the future.
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