In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded during a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, over 80 lives were lost in a stampede. The event, organized by a self-styled guru known as Bhole Baba (also referred to as Narayan Saakar Hari), turned into a nightmare as devotees jostled for space, leading to chaos and tragedy. Let’s delve into the details of this unfortunate incident and explore the intriguing persona of the guru behind it.
Who Is Bhole Baba?
- Narayan Saakar Hari, popularly known as Bhole Baba, hails from Bahadur Nagari village in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district.
- Unlike traditional gurus who don saffron robes, Bhole Baba prefers a more unconventional attire: a white suit and tie or a simple kurta-pyjama.
- His spiritual journey took an unexpected turn when he claimed to have worked with the Intelligence Bureau. Yes, you read that right! Bhole Baba, while still in the secular world, felt drawn toward spirituality and eventually resigned from his job in the 1990s to pursue a higher calling.
The Tragic Event
- On a fateful day in Hathras, hundreds of devotees gathered for a ‘satsang’ (a prayer meeting) organized in honor of Bhole Baba.
- The venue, unfortunately, proved inadequate to accommodate the swelling crowd, leading to a chaotic situation.
- As people tried to exit the premises after the spiritual discourse, panic set in, and the stampede ensued.
- At least 87 lives, including women and children, were lost in the tragic crush.
The Guru’s Unconventional Approach
- Bhole Baba’s teachings stand out not only for their content but also for his unique approach:
- Selflessness: He claims not to keep any portion of the donations received during his sermons. Instead, he spends it all on his devotees.
- Dress Code: His attire defies convention, emphasizing that spirituality transcends outward appearances.
- Disciple of Hari: Bhole Baba considers himself a disciple of Hari, attracting a substantial following in western Uttar Pradesh.
Investigation and Accountability
- A committee has been formed to investigate the incident, and legal action will be taken against the organizers.
- The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for better crowd management during religious events.
The Hathras stampede leaves us grappling with questions about faith, responsibility, and the role of spiritual leaders. As we mourn the lives lost, we must also reflect on the choices made by both organizers and devotees. Bhole Baba’s enigmatic persona adds another layer of complexity to this heartbreaking tale. May those who perished find peace, and may we learn from this tragedy to prevent such disasters in the future.