V-P’s Kumbh invite stands despite sadhu objections

Despite objections from sadhus, the Shree Ganga-Godavari Panchkothi Purohit Sangh, representing priests performing rituals on Godavari at Na...

Despite objections from sadhus, the Shree Ganga-Godavari Panchkothi Purohit Sangh, representing priests performing rituals on Godavari at Nashik, has passed a resolution that the flag hoisting ceremony at the Kumbh would be done by Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

At a meeting on Tuesday night, the Sangh passed a resolution to this effect. ‘‘The Chatursampradaya Akhada cannot claim that flag-hoisting is their right,’’ Sangh chairperson Satish Shukla said, adding: ‘‘It was our privilege and we had asked late Akhada Mahant Deenbandhudasji to do it as an honour.’’ He further said on some occasions, even politicians like then chief minister Shankarrao Chavan had hoisted the flag and there was nothing unusual in Shekhawat performing it.

Cong, NCP protest

NASHIK: The Congress and the NCP have opposed Nashik Purohit Sangh’s decision to invite Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to hoist the simhasta flag at city’s Ramkunda to mark the beginning of Kumbh mela on July 30. (PTI)

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Shukla said Mahant Krishnacharandasji was invited for talks and also to show proof that it was a right of his Akhada but that he did not turn up for the meeting. Meanwhile, the mahant was not available for comment. The flag hoisting ceremony is scheduled at 11.00 am on July 30 to mark the entry of the Sun and Jupiter into the Leo constellation, starting the Kumbh parva.

Meanwhile, contrary to the claims of officials, sadhus from Trimbakeshwar are up in arms over the facilities being provided by the government and have demanded that responsible officials be posted there immediately. Shree Mahant Premgiri Maharaj of the Shree Panch Juna Dashnam Akhada on Neel Parvat told The Indian Express the preparations lack quality.

He said he is amused at the claims made by officials when ‘‘even basic amenities are lacking.’’ Pointing at the sheds which didn’t have roofs and floors, he said: ‘‘The concerned officials are at Nashik and do not bother to visit here to monitor the works.’’