Kumbh Mela: Juna Akhara announces end of festivities after PM Modi's request

Haridwar: Sadhus of Juna Akhara take part in a ritual to become 'Naga Sadhus' in Haridwar, Monday, April 5, 2021. (PTI Photo) (PTI04_05_2021_000040B) (PTI)Premium
Haridwar: Sadhus of Juna Akhara take part in a ritual to become 'Naga Sadhus' in Haridwar, Monday, April 5, 2021. (PTI Photo) (PTI04_05_2021_000040B) (PTI)
2 min read . Updated: 17 Apr 2021, 06:47 PM IST Staff Writer

Mahamandaleshwar Swamy Avdheshanand Giri has today announced that the Kumbh Mela has concluded for the Juna Akhara. The Akhara announced the end of Kumbh festivities after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him.

“The people of India and their survival is our first priority. In view of the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have duly immersed all the deities invoked on the occasion of Kumbh. This is the formal immersion-conclusion of Kumbh on behalf of Joona Akhara," Swami Avadheshanand Giri, the ‘mahamandaleshwar’ of the Joona Akhara, said in a tweet in Hindi.

An enclosed note signed by Giri, Joona Akhara patron Hari Giri and secretaries Mahant Mohan Bharti and Mahant Mahesh Puri said the decision to immerse the Kumbh deities had been taken in public interest after consultations with seers of the Akhara.

"Immersing the deities, we also pray to all ‘teertha’ and ‘siddhapeeth’ and declare the immersion of Haridwar Kumbh Mela, 2021," it said.

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had a telephonic conversation with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swamy Avdheshanand Giri and asked about the health of all the Sants. The PM thanked the Sant Samaj for their full cooperation with the administration.

Earlier Mahamandaleshwar Swamy Avdheshanand Giri Ji also replied respecting the request of the Prime Minister and asked the devotees not come for snan in large numbers and follow the Covid appropriate behaviour and follow rules.

The Prime Minister requested to keep Kumbh symbolic from now on as two Shahi Snans have already taken place. This will strengthen the fight against the pandemic.

"PM called me up and inquired about Kumbh Mela and the health of 'sadhus'. Most snans are complete, only one remains - of 'bairagis'. The number of 'sadhus' participating in it is very less and they too believe that they should participate symbolically," said Swami Avdheshanand Giri.

"Kumbh cannot be ended until 'bairagi' akhara participates in 'shahi snan' however they will celebrate symbolically. The Shahi Snan of April 27, will be performed by the 'bairagi' akharas symbolically," he added.

He also appealed to the people not to come in large numbers for "shahi snan" and said elders and children must not come for the "shahi snan" amid the COVID-19 surge.

PM Modi spoke to Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandleshwar, Juna Akhara to inquire about the health of the seers and requested him to keep the religious congregation symbolic due to the pandemic.

The first bath was held on March 11 on the occasion of Mahashivratri, the second took place on April 14 and the third on April 14. The fourth shahi snan is scheduled on April 27.

According to the schedule of major events, four 'shahi snan' and nine 'Ganga Snan' will take place at Haridwar this year. The 'snans' are a part of the Kumbh Mela that is supposed to be held in Haridwar from April 1 to April 30.

The duration of the Kumbh festival has been shortened to 30 days this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.






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