Swami Premanand Maharaj suspends daily padyatra indefinitely after Hathras stampede

New Delhi: In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, thousands of devotees flock daily to see the renowned saint of Shri Dham Vrindavan, Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj. Recently, a news spread on social media that the padyatra (daily night walk) of Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj had been suspended due to the increasing crowd. The padyatra had been suspended indefinitely from the intervening night of Monday-Tuesday to avoid gathering of large crowds.

Premanand Maharaj's following

To get one look at the renowned Sadhu, devotees who had come from all over the country. Devotees start gathering at Shri Radha Kelikunj as early as 2 AM, with thousands arriving daily. On Monday night, millions of devotees were present, but many were disappointed to learn via social media that the daily padyatra had been suspended indefinitely due to the growing crowd.

Swami Premanand Ji Maharaj used to embark on his padyatra from 2 to 3 AM every night, traveling a fixed route back to his ashram. Thousands of devotees would line the streets to catch a glimpse of Maharaj, creating flower rangolis and welcoming him with bands and music. This daily event attracted people from various states across the country to Shri Dham Vrindavan.

Reaction on Hathras

Swami was extremely disheartened after the incident of Hathras taking so many lives, he claims to have prayed to the lord that such incidents should never happen again. He announced via a letter on X, suspending the walks indefinitely. He has appealed to the devotees to refrain from any activity that can lead to excessive crowding.

Maharaj’s daily walk had employed many, as the previously quiet route now buzzed with flower shops, tea stalls, and other vendors open from midnight to 4 AM.

After Swami Premanand, Maharaja Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has also requested his devotees through social media to not come to his Dham on the occasion of his birthday