Haryana govt to renovate religious places

Kaithal, Sep 28: The Haryana Government has taken initiatives for renovating and preserving all the religious places in the state.

An amount on Rs 50 lakh would be spent on the development works of 'Phalgu Tirath' situated in Pharal village in view of its religious importance, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda disclosed after a having a dip in the sarovar of Phalgu Tirath Ghat at Pharal today.

Talking to mediapersons, Mr Hooda said that a huge amount had been spent on the renovation of temples situated at Kurukshetra, Pehowa and Kalayat and now the famous historical Phalgu Tirath would be developed on the same pattern.

On this occasion, Mr Hooda urged the people to participate in the ensuing Samajik Kranti Rally which is to be held on October 2 in HUDA Ground at Panipat, where a historical scheme would be implemented by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. On that day Mrs Gandhi would give the allotment letters of 100-100 sq yard plots to the people belonging to below poverty line (BPL) and scheduled castes.

The district administration had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the large number of pilgrims who would be visiting the Phalgu Tirth for a holy dip. Above 10 lakh pilgrims have already taken a dip in the sarovar so far and it was expected that about five lakh pilgrims would take a holy dip on the occasion of Somvati Amavas on the concluding day of the mela.

In order to keep a tab on criminal and anti social elements the police is keeping a vigil in the mela area. The Police Department has established 13 check posts in the mela area for the security and assistance of the pilgrims.

During the ancient times the area of Phalgu Tirath was known as Phalhar, which was located on the banks of river Phalgu. The area is located within the 48 'Kosas' of the holy town of Kurukshetra.

The 'Somvati Amavasya' which falls in the month of Ashwin during Pitra-Paksha holds major significance for completing Sharad Tarpan a form of remembrance for the departed ancestors. On this occasion, the 'pind-daan' and prayers were preformed for the ancestors so that their souls go to heaven.

UNI