'Admin to incorporate seers inputs'

Prayagraj: Admitting that the Maha Kumbh is a platform for India's spiritual, cultural, religious, social, and ideological diversity, the state govt has focused on reviving the ancient tradition of inclusivity and dialogue Maha Kumbh. This time, the focus is on creating a Maha Kumbh that encourages collaborative solutions by engaging all stakeholders.

Notably, UNESCO has recognised the Kumbh as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'. During his visit to Prayagraj, CM Yogi Adityanath also led a dialogue with key groups, including the All India Akhara Parishad (ABAP), Khak Chowk, Vyavastha Samiti, and members of Prayagwal Sabha, at the Ganga Pandal in Parade Ground. This dialogue series continues through ongoing efforts by the Kumbh Mela administration.

To make the Maha Kumbh more impactful, the state govt is undertaking numerous initiatives. This includes hosting Kumbh Conclave and Maha Kumbh Tourist Conclave, with efforts by the Tourism department to engage Akharas, saints, and pilgrimage priests. ADM (Kumbh Mela) Vivek Chaturvedi told TOI that, "The administration is regularly communicating with all akharas, saints, pilgrimage priests, and relevant institutions on organisational aspects to incorporate their insights."

The state govt also aims to ensure active involvement of both govt, non-govt bodies in administrative planning, execution and overall efficiency. Previously, only govt perspectives were considered for organising the Maha Kumbh, but now the govt is taking a broader, more inclusive approach.

Mahant Jamuna Puri, Secretary of Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, shares that Kumbh Mela administration officials are in regular contact to streamline akhara arrangements in the Kumbh area. Officials are personally visiting akharas to gather insights and refine the organisational structure in the process.

Mahant Prem Giri, President of Shri Panch Dashnam Akhara, highlights that officials are actively consulting akharas on key arrangements—from entry processions to city accommodations for saints. These efforts ensure that the voices of saints are respected, and their traditional practices are seamlessly integrated into this grand event. tnn