Kumbhmela begins at the Panchaganga river in Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Oct 28 (UNI) After a gap of 80 years, thousands of devotees today took a holy dip in the Panchaganga river on the occasion of a year-long 'Vishalteerth Mahaparvkal Kumbhmela' at the ouskirts of Shingnapur city.

Kumbhmela celebrations commenced today this morning the traditional 'Ganga puja' followed by various other pujas and rituals.

The function was presided over by Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mohite-Patil pledged to develop Shingnapur as a pilgrimage centre and as a tourist destination.

The place is now chock-a-block with 'sadhus' and devotees. Stalls hawking all kinds of items have thronged the area.

The Kolhapur Zilla Parishad has made health service facilities available here. Kolhapur municipal transport authorities have pressed extra buses in service for the convenience of the pilgrims.

UNI BBK WD HS BD1541