Panchdashnam Juna Akhara enters in the Ardh Kumbh mela

Allahabad, Dec 29 (UNI) A colourful procession led by religious leaders entailing Hindu ceremonies and rituals on the occasion of the 'peshwai' (royal entry) of Panchdashnam Juna akhara, the informal beginning of the Ardh Kumbh mela began here today at Sangam, the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

The Ardh Kumbh mela will start on January three.

The 'peshwai' procession of Juna akhara started from Maujgiri Baba temple, located near Minto Park on the banks of river Yamuna in the afternoon and concluded at the mela after entering the camp of the akhara.

'Peshwai' and 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) of the akharas are regarded as land mark events of Maha Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh, which take place after 12 and six years, respectively.

A large number of people had qued on both sides of the road to have a glimps of the Mahamandleshwars, saints and sadhus who participated in the procession.

The administration had made elaborate security arrangements.

Para-military forces, Provincial Armed Constabals, local police and bomb squad personnel followed the huge procession.

The 'mahamandleshwars' and sadhus were seated on vehicles decked with flowers, while their disciples weilding lathis, swords and gadhas were proceeding in the religious leaders. Some of the saints were seated on elephants, horses and chariots.

Among other akharas, the royal entry of Agni akhara is scheduled for tomorrow from Maujgirivaba temple, Niranjani akhara on December 31, Aavahan and Anand akhara on January one, Bada Udasin on January seven, Mahanirvani akhara on January nini, Atal on January ten, Naya Udasin on January 11 and Nirmal akhara on January 13 next.

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