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Religious flag hoisting informally opens Ardh Kumbh Mela

     Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh): The hoisting of a saffron coloured religious flag here has marked the informal opening of the Ardh Kumbh Mela. A large number of Hindu holy men gathered on the banks of Ganges, to heave and pull ropes attached to a flagpole used for hoisting the flag. "It is believed with the putting of our religious flag, the Kumbh begins. This flag is our torch bearer. After putting this flag, our traditional wrestling begins which are played with proper rules," said Mahant Kailashanand Bramachari, a Hindu holy man. The Ardh Kumbh Mela is scheduled to be commenced from January 1, 2007 to February 20, 2007. According to official estimates, the Ardh Kumbh is expected to draw about 60 million devotees, tourists and holy men. Civic and security personnel have already begun elaborate arrangements in view of this mela. Hundreds of thousands of yogis, sadhus and pilgrims come to take a holy dip in the Ganges during this important Hindu spiritual gathering. Legend has it that before the universe took shape, the gods and demons churned the waters, as a result of which, from the ocean arose Dhanvantari carrying in his hands a kumbha of nectar. As the gods and demons struggled for possession of this precious liquid, drops fell at 12 places in the world. Four of these are Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain. Maha Kumba - the largest and most famous one occurs in Allahabad once every 12 years.
-Dec 15, 2006