Vrindavan: The president of the NRI Green Society has now apologised to Premanand Maharaj after some residents opposed his daily padyatra during the wee hours in Vrindavan, citing disturbances due to the use of drums and other instruments. The protests led the religious leader to change the route of his procession.
He also claimed the residents were influences into opposing the processions by some outsiders, looking to earn fame on YouTube, by posing themselves as locals and protesting against the Maharaj.
The protest, which began due to alleged disturbance caused by loud music, drums, and fireworks during the procession, triggered a backlash from the Premanand Mahraj’s devotees. Following the controversy, the NRI Green Society’s president personally visited Maharaj to seek forgiveness, and the saint graciously accepted the apology, a video posted on social media has revealed.
A society named NRI Green Society in Vrindavan had opposed Swami Premanad Ji’s Yatra saying such religious activities disturb them.
As a result entire Vrindavan started boycotting the society.
Now the president of that society apologizes to Swami ji.Salute to the people of… pic.twitter.com/WjMEU2DDPA
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) February 16, 2025
The cause behind protests
Sant Premanand Maharaj, who is widely revered by his followers both in India and abroad, regularly takes out a night procession from his residence at Shri Krishna Sharanam on Chhatikara Road to Shri Radha Kelikunja Ashram in Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
This procession, which begins at 2 am includes chanting of bhajans and playing of music. While this is a deeply spiritual experience for thousands of devotees, the noise and crowd created major disturbances for the residents. In particular, residents of the NRI Green Society voiced their discomfort, stating that the late-night noise was affecting their daily lives.
Padyatra route changed
In response to the protests and concerns over the crowd and his health, Premanand Maharaj decided to modify the procession. He shifted the timing from 2 am to 4 am and rerouted it so that it no longer passed in front of the society. Now, the procession goes through the Prem Mandir and Ramnereti Police Station before reaching its destination.
The protests against Maharaj’s procession deeply upset his followers. Several local shopkeepers put up signs declaring that they would not serve NRI Green Society members for opposing the procession.
Many devotees expressed disapproval of the society’s actions, suggesting that they could have directly approached Maharaj to discuss their concerns instead of protesting publicly.
Residents misled by YouTubers chasing popularity
Bowing down to the Premanand Maharaj, the society’s president said he had been following him for over 12 years, often attending his daily parikrama, and expressed regret for the actions of a few individuals who had caused the protest.
Maharaj responded saying, “Our aim is to bring joy to everyone. If anyone was hurt by the procession, we immediately changed the route. We never intend to cause harm to anyone.”
The president further explained that some of the problems arose due to individuals using YouTube to gain popularity, claiming to be Brijwasis while being outsiders. Maharaj replied, “Brijwasis are our revered ones, and they are all simple and innocent people.”
The NRI Green Society president conveyed the society’s regret to Maharaj while apologising for the disturbances caused to which he said, “We are here to bring happiness to everyone. There is no animosity from our side. We welcome everyone, and we wish for nothing but good for all.”
The president also mentioned that some fireworks were set off by individuals in front of the society’s courtyard, which escalated the noise issue.
