At 77, 'Mullaji' lights up famed Juna Akhara, and hearts too

BIJNOR: Money has taken a back seat for Mohammad Mehmood, now 77. Stretching his legs on a rather rickety plastic chair on the banks of the mighty Ganga in Prayagraj, Mehmood says his priorities have changed now. "I now look for spirituality and respect," he says after a day of hard work.

For the last 33 years, Mehmood had been illuminating the tents of the famed Juna Akahra. Drastic changes in technology failed to deter the old man's determination to light up the king-size tents of the Akhara, which "stand apart from others".

Mohammed Mehmood

Talking about his work, Mehmood says, "I am an electrician. And my skills can be seen in the night during the Kumbh when the entire area where sadhus have pitched their tents is dazzling with bright lights of all colours." Reminiscing about his journey, Mehmood says, "I came in contact with the sadhus of Juna Akhara about 33 years ago. At that time, I was young and had very little experience and knowledge of Akhara culture. But after some time, I became familiar with the environment and friendly with the saints. Whenever the Kumbh draws close, they inform me about the work of illumination," he said.

"They respect me like a family member. Though I earn money here, but spiritual contentment is more important now. I also learn good things from the company of sadhus," Mehmood says, adding "I feel proud and happy to be a part of the Kumbh."

Mehmood also said he has been given space to offer 'namaz' by the saints at the Kumbh site. "There is no discrimination here. They treat me well. They give me the same food which they eat. I feel spiritually elated here," said Mehmood, a resident of Muzaffarnagar.

When asked about his life back home, Mehmood says, "I have an electric shop at Sarbar Gate in Muzaffarnagar. There are six members, including a son and three daughters, in my family. My son helps me in this profession. We set up lights in festivals also. I am known as 'Mulla Ji Light Wale' there."