NEW DELHI, March 17 -- The RSS Combine's Hindu Rashtra agenda has been built upon narratives through multiple mechanisms. The festivals have been the occasion for promoting its agenda. Highlighting certain deities for 'social political messaging' has become a prominent part of the political arena.

The recently held Kumbh was a mega spectacle, which became more of a national event rather than a religious gathering. One significant change for this year's Kumbh is its heavy marketing as a cultural and developmental showcase. It was labelled as "The Greatest Show on Earth" for Hinduism.

On such occasions, the government's function is to provide security and safe passage for the pilgrims. However, the state got fully involved in organising t...