Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2018: Yogi Adityanath Asks NIH to Exempt Toll for Kumbh-Bound Vehicles For Three Months

Uttar Pradesh, June 22: The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked the National Highway of India(NHI) to exempt all Kumbh- bound vehicles from paying toll for three months between December 15 to March 15, 2018. The directions of CM has come after two Hindu religious saints gave suggestions in a meeting held last month.

The meeting was called to discuss the possible measures that can be adopted during the Kumbh Mela. Representatives from Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad were also present during the meet. According to a news report in the Economic Times, two religious heads who suggested providing toll exemption to Kumbh bound vehicles on NHI was primarily to offer convenience to spiritual gurus and saints (sadhus) who gather in large number to take a bath in the sacred holy river.

Traditionally, four fairs are widely recognised as the Kumbh Melas--the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, the Allahabad Kumbh Mela, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha, and Ujjain Simhastha. These four fairs are held periodically at one of the following places by rotation: Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nashik district -Trimbak, and Ujjain. The main festival site is located on the banks of a river: the Ganges (Ganga) at Haridwar; the confluence (Sangam) of the Ganges and the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati at Allahabad; the Godavari at Nashik; and the Shipra at Ujjain. Bathing in these rivers is thought to cleanse the person of all the sins.

In response to the suggestion, CM Yogi has directed the NHI to exempt the toll collection. Moreover, Uttar Pradesh will be spending around Rs.9 crore to upgrade the facilities for saints in the eight akharas (water bodies). Reports mention that the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara saints have advised the CM to shower flowers on the pilgrims from a chopper as a welcome gesture.

Besides, since lakhs of devotees gather during Kumbh, better security and safety measures should be adopted; It has also been suggested to set up hospitals in each of the zones.

Moreover, the saints have also asked Yogi Adityanath to start the Panckoshi Parikrama (circumambulation route) in Allahabad once again. Reportedly, the road has been shut for some security reasons by the earlier government. They also want full-time access to religious idols inside the Allahabad fort for pilgrims to be opened up.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2018 12:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).