Ardh Kumbh Mela: Canvas for 'Bindas Bol Condom' campaign

Lucknow, Dec 30: The authorities have found an unusual audience in lakhs of Hindu devotees to target the AIDS awareness 'Bindas Bol Condom' campaign during the Ardh Kumbh Mela starting at Sangam in Allahabad on January 3.

About nine crore devotees from all over India and abroad are expected at the month-long Ardh Kumbh -- the largest Hindu congregation in the world.

Targeting this volume of pupulation, the Allahabad district administration and mela administration have chalked out an intensive AIDS awareness campaign.

Already popular on Indian television, 'Bindas Bol Condom' campaign would be visible in posters and banners in-and-outside the mela area all over Allahabad City.

The administration has already sought permission of various Akharas, Sants and Mahants for the campaign in the mela area.

Allahabad District Magistrate Amrit Abhijat told UNI over telephone that the State AIDS Control Society had been asked to give Rs 29 lakh for the campaign. ''Cultural programmes -- in which Bollywood singers would be invited, workshops and other means of ads will also be used under the campaign.'' He informed the Sant community had agreed to it considering it an oppportune occasion to spread this social message to such a large audience.

Ardh Kumbh Mela is taking place in sprawling over 1,500 hectares on the banks of Sangam -- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. It is held every six years and attracts lakhs of devotess, who take a holy dip in the Sangam.

UNI