In the run-up to the preparations for the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj which will kick off on January 15, 2015, one of the decisions taken by the Akhara Parishad and conveyed to CM Yogi Adityanath is the removal of words of Urdu/Persian origin associated with the event.
For instance, 'Shahi Snan' means the first bath of the Kumbh and is undertaken by seers before others have permission to bathe in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Prayagraj. Now, the word 'Shahi' is to be replaced with something that has Hindi or Sanskrit origins. Another word that needs to go is 'Peshwai', a word of Persian origin which denotes leader.
On Sunday, Yogi Adityanath unveiled the logo for the Mahakumbh. It shows three saints- one blowing a conch and two with their hands folded after a dip in the confluence. In their background is the Bade Hanuman Mandir and the Akshaya Vat- the sacred fig tree.
There will be a complete ban on the sale of liquor and meat in the Mahakumbh Mela area. The traditional mela area stretches up to 500 metres from the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna and will include many localities of Prayagraj.
The state’s tourism department will design 14 different kinds of packages for those desirous of visiting the Mahakumbh. These packages will be for anywhere between 3-10 people who will be able to tour the Mahakumbh in a vehicle appropriate for the size of the group. The per person charges will range from Rs 1330 to Rs 2020. The smaller the group, the more the per person fare.
These tours will have Prayagraj both as the destination and as the starting point. Other places of holy significance to be covered include Varanasi, Ayodhya and Chitrakoot.
Bookings for these tours, when open will be made only through the government website. The package will include the services of trained guides.