Kumbha Mela to be observed as State festival: DCM

Mysore, Feb 2 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa today announced that the State Government would hold the Kumbha Mela, held once in three years at Thirumakodalu Narasipura, as a State festival from the next time.

Participating in the concluding day of the seventh Maha Kumbha Mela at the Sangam Thirumakodalu, near here, he said necessary infrastructure would be developed at the Thirumakodalu to help pilgrims reach the place.

Mr Yediyurappa noted that various religious ceremonies and events like the Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelgola in February last year, Panchalinga Darshana at Talakadu, Mahamasthakabhisheka in Dharmastala and this Kumbha Mela have been celebrated in a peaceful manner in the State.

He said the State Government had set up a Cultural and Heritage Authority in the State to safeguard various traditions. Last year, the Authority was provided with Rs five crore, but more funds would be allocated this year for the Authority to take up various works.

Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekharan, speaking on the occasion, said Indian traditions attracted people from all over the world and Kumbha melas and religious festivities would help the people unite.

Karnataka Housing and district incharge Minister D T Jayakumar announced that the Government would prepare an action plan for Rs 100 crore for the overall development of Thirumakodalu to make it one of the best piligrim centres in the State.

Earlier, special poojas were offered to Agasthyeswara temple and Gunja Narasimhaswamy temples at the confluence of Cauvery, Kapila and Spatik Sarovar rivers.

Mr Yediyurappa, Sri Desikhendraswamy of Suttur Mutt, Sri Balagangadharanath Swamiji of Adhichunchanagiri mutt, Shivapuri Swamiji of Kilasha Mutt and thousands of pilgrims took a holy dip at Sangama at the auspicious time.

UNI