Allahabad: Imported dogs at Naga saints rituals in Kumbh

ALLAHABAD: Apart from saints, pilgrims and devotees from all across the globe, this Kumbh is hosting their pets especially dogs also.

Naga saint Kedar Giri baba’s dog Swanky accompanies him everywhere he goes, even bathing in the Ganga during snan days. He has five doberman breed dogs like Swanky.

There are many seers who have arrived here with pets dogs who accompany their masters and follow them everywhere.

Be it Kedar Giri, Prem Giri or Bhim Giri babas all have foreign breed dogs with them who stay with with them and join their masters in yajna, community feast and other rituals also.

Naga saint Kedar Giri claims “ He has purchased five Doberman breeds dogs about one year back from Indore and one of them named as Swanky always stays with him in his tent located at the entrance of Juna Ahara’. He further added “ I have purchased my first dog – Swanky – at a cost of Rs 21,000 and he(pet dog) always accompany him whenever and wherever I move”.

Giri further added “Swanky is fond of dry fruits”. He also takes halwa, butter-slice and milk”. Giri also disclosed “Swanky also observes fast (vrat) and take my long hairs (jata) as his pillow”.

Associated with Juna Akhara and hailing from Panipat (Haryana) Bhim Giri has also brought all of his five dogs- aged between one and two years- at the ongoing kumbh. He says “ I have five Doberman breed pets whom I consider the (roop) form of Bhairav’. He further added “ all my five pets – tiger, ranky, Jacky, Dhruv and Sheru would be going for holy dip on the second shahi snan with me”. He, however, said “ pets have same daily routine as we have’.

Naga saint Kedar Giri, meanwhile, claims “ having pets is not a new thing, since ages, saints or akharas are always having pets”. They claimed that these pets are part of akharas and many saints keep their pets with them.

Swami Om Giri says “ dogs are not aminal for us but it is a hermit of the akhara”. Saints having pets are also treated with respect like others’. He also added “ these pets remain bonded to their gurus and follow them everywhere.