Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister and MLA from Mathura, Shrikant Sharma, has written a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to direct Mathura officials to speed up preparations for the age-old Vrindavan Kumbh Mela on the Yamuna banks slated early next year.
Sharma requested the chief minister to direct UP Braj Teerth Development Authority and other departments concerned to start preparations for the Vrindavan Kumbh Mela at the earliest. Despatched on November 11, the letter was released to the media on Monday.
Sharma, also the UP government spokesperson, said that the Kumbh Mela in Mathura was a traditional function held before Haridwar Kumbh by the Vaishnav sect of Hindus.
“The proposed Mathura Kumbh is slated to be held between February 16 and March 28, 2021 for 41 days. It is, however, unfortunate that no work has started yet and the Mathura district authorities and other departments concerned are yet to start preparations,” he said.
During his visit to Mathura on March 3 this year, the chief minister had assured saints that the Mathura Kumbh would be held on a grand scale and the government would ensure that it was held with all religious grandeur.
“Despite a clear directive from the chief minister, the Mathura district administration is yet to wake up. This is a prestigious project of the city and saints have high hopes from this regime,” the minister said.