Preparations begin for 'Ardh Kumbh' in Haridwar

Haridwar, June 29: Preparations have commenced for the 'Ardha Kumbh' set to begin here in January 2016.

The mega Hindu congregation is held every sixth year in holy cities in different parts of the country.

The first major bath would be held on 'Makar Sankranti' on January 14 in which all the 'akhadas' would take part in Shahi Snaan, or the royal bath, an official told IANS.

This would be followed by a series of baths on February 8 (Mauni Amavasya), February 12 (Basant Panchami), February 22 (Magh Purnima), March 8 (Mahashivratri), April 7 (Somvati Amavasya), April 15 (Ram Navmi), April 22 (Chaitra Poornima Snan) and May 6 (Krishna Paksh Amavasya).

Uttarakhand officials told IANS that a blueprint of the Kumbh preparations was ready. Millions are expected to attend the event. The Kumbh Mela campus has been divided into 32 sectors.

IANS