49-day Kumbh Mela to begin on Jan 15

IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT A CM JOINED

AKHIL BHARATIYA AKHARA PARISHAD OFFICEBEARERS IN ANNOUNCING THE DATES

ALLAHABAD: The Kumbh will begin with the first ‘shahi snan’ of Makar Sankranti on January 15 next year and conclude on Mahashivratri on March 4, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Saturday.

It was the first time that a serving chief minister joined Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) office-bearers in announcing the dates of the 49-day religious event.

Adityanath, along with ABAP president Mahant Narendragiri and general secretary Swami Harigiri, made the announcement after an hourlong meeting with officials of the Prayagraj Mela Authority and saints of different akharas.

Recently, there was a tussle between ABAP and office-bearers of the authority over the declaration of the Kumbh schedule.

As per the schedule, the second ‘shahi snan’ will be on Mauni Amavasya on February 4 and the third on Basant Panchami on February 10.

The other three official dates for the ‘snan’ will fall on Paush Purnima (January 21), Maghi Purnima (February 19) and Mahashivratri (March 4).

Earlier in the day, the chief minister arrived at the Police Lines helipad, from where he headed towards Pani-ki-tanki to review the construction of the 1.1-kilometre-long flyover between Cariappa Dwar and Eklavya crossing.

The chief minister directed officials of the UP Bridge Corporation to complete the construction by November and ensure quality work.