On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, pilgrims from more than 12 countries congregated at Parmarth Niketan here on Tuesday and pledged to do their bit to preserve and protect the Mother Nature from any harm. The pledge-taking was led by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president Parmarth Niketan. On the day marked by the first Shahi Snan of the Kumbh Mela being held now in Prayagraj, the ascetic engaged himself and the pilgrims in clean-up programmes on the banks of the sacred river.
He said that the Kumbh must be transformed into Swachh Kumbh. “We are here to give a message of clean Kumbh,” Swami Chidanand said.
He said, "Kumbh is not an external exhibition but it is meant for inner self-discovery, self-purification, self-cleaning. If we want to make our future secure, we must protect our culture and the nature,” he added. Sadhvi Bhagawati who was also present on the occasion said that the festival is the occasion meant to dispel darkness of ego-separateness and let in light of spiritual unity within.
It is learnt that Ganga Action Parivar and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance in conjunction with Parmarth Niketan are hosting an eco-friendly, environmentally focused camp in the Kumbh Mela being held in Prayag Raj from January 14 to February 24.