The most coveted area of Mela zone - Pantdweep- would not be available for the religious organisations and the sadhus of Akharas for their camps and religious activities this time during the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela.
Being nearer to Har Ki Pauri and easily accessible, this area is in demand for setting up camps, but the Mela officials have decided to use this place for cultural programmes and exhibitions.
The land allotment is done for Ardh Kumbh Mela authorities to different NGOs, social organisations, Akharas and saints for setting up their camps.
The religious discourses, community kitchen known as 'langars' and other religious activities are organised during the mela by these organisations. But this time they would not be allowed the deified ambience of the sanctum sanctorum Har Ki Pauri in Pantdweep area. Being well- connected with roads, it has remained the first choice of the Akharas for years. Now, things would change, say the Mela officials.
Upper Mela Adhikari Meherban Singh Bisht said while talking to The Pioneer, "In the Pantdweep area, myriad cultural activities would be staged which would be marked by the attendance of a host of famous folk singers coming from across the country. Mela exhibition would also be the hallmark of the event that would draw thousands. We have kept this place to host such things here. "
Notably, 151 applications have been received by the Mela officials till date and the procedure of land allotment would start from the first week of January next. However, most of the Akhara saints are yet to be notified of the changes since the applications for the land allotment are still pouring in.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Mahant Ravindra Puri of Mahaniravni Akhara said, "If there are some changes in the demarcation of the areas we shall find a solution after discussing the matter with the Mela officials."