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Ardh Kumbh: Hectic preparations on for fair

          Ujjain (MP): Preparations are on in Ujjain for a forthcoming mega Hindu festival, starting in April. More than 1.5 million devotees would reach the city daily for the month-long Ardh Kumbh or half-pitcher festival, held once in six years. The flow of the city's main Shipra river was diverted for about a month from the Ghats or bathing banks to build bridges. New roads are being constructed and all illegal constructions are being demolished to build better lodging facilities for the pilgrims.

        C.P Arora, Commissioner of Police, "We have given proposals of Rs. 50 crore for additional work to be done. Earlier the government had no plans for providing free electricity but this government has promised to provide free electricity for the venue. This will come in the supplementary budget," said Arora. Millions of people are expected to take dip in the holy waters from April 5 to May 4, 2004. Hindus believe a dip in the holy river would cleanse them of their sins. Police superintendent Upendra Jain said special security arrangements have been made to thwart any terrorist attack. "Since terrorist activities have been growing across the globe we are taking special care of the security of people. We are sharing information with intelligence agencies. We have already started frisking people who have come from outside and are staying in hotels or on rent. Besides, we will carry out searches on whosoever comes for the festival," said Jain.

         Legend says Ujjain, in central Madhya Pradesh, is one of the four places where the nectar of immortality fell on earth after spilling out of a pitcher during an epic battle for its possession between gods and demons. In 1989 around 50 million people attended the mela. Half pitcher festivals are the smaller versions of the festival, and are held every six years in three other towns. Among the faithful will be people from rare religious sects including seers in saffron robes and naked "sadhus" with ash spread over their bodies. For devout Hindus, the Kumbh Mela is an occasion to celebrate tales and beliefs handed down through the generations.
- February 28, 2004