Naga Sadhus campaign against global warming in Kumbh Mela

HARIDWAR: Naga sadhus who smear their naked bodies with ash and sport long matted hair are using the Maha Kumbh Mela here as a medium to campaign against global warming.

Juna Akhara council General Secretary Mahant Hari Giri, speaking to PTI, warned of an environmental backlash if the world continues to exploit the nature in the manner it is being done now.

Juna Akhara is one of the largest groups of Naga sadhus. "You really can't mess up with the nature and think you can get away with it. The nature is very powerful and can wipe out the human race if it wants to. Be it global warming, droughts or floods, this is the nature hitting back at us for messing with it," Giri, who is currently camping with members of his Akhara, about 15-kms outside the Haridwar town, said.

Citing China's example, the priest of the Juna Akhara Deepak Puri said, "They fired rockets to bring snowfall. Snow did come but it caused immense harm to the nature. You can't do that without being ready for a backlash."

Puri along with other sadhus will throng this religious town on January 30 to participate in the 'shahi snan' on February 12.

Asked how the Nagas, who have been part of militant bands, felt about the current military prowess of the country, Giri said, "The country has its defence forces which are doing their duty. We are not part of armed bands any longer."