Phalgu Mela begins today near Kaithal

Kaithal, Sep 15 (UNI) The 15-day-long famous Phalgu Mela began today amidst chanting of mantras and elaborate rituals at Faral village about 25 km from here on the occasion of 'shraddh'.

Senior officials including commissioner Ambala division Mohinder Kumar, deputy commissioner Vikas Gupta, Sultan Singh S.P., Hawa Singh SDM kaithal cum mela administrator, prominent local citizens and number of devotees were present on the occasion.

This mela beginning from today will continue till September 29 when thousands of pilgrims were expected to have a dip in the holy tank on the occasion of Somvati Amavas after offering 'Pind dan' (cooked rice offering) to their ancestors.

The commissioner told media persons that administration had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth stay of pilgrims. Besides, this special steps have been taken to ensure sanitation, water supply, lightning, availability of food articles and eatables, maintainence of law and order and security of all those visiting this place.

Deputy commissioner Vikas Gupta said that whole mela area had been divided in to 12 sectors and sector magistrates had been appointed. Besides this a special Judicial Magistrate will remain present during mela period to dispose of cases on the spot.

The holy tank had been filled with fresh water and Ghats had been renovated. The mobile teams of health department will be available and an Ayurvedic dispensary under the supervision of Dr Rakesh kaushal had also been set up. About 400 temporary toilets and as many water taps have been set up for the convenience of pilgrims .

To meet any eventuality, the divers will also be deployed at the sarovar while female police staff would be on duty at ghats reserved for women.

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