T Narasipur decked up to host 3-day Kumbha Mela from today

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: The district administration has made all preparations for the succes of the 13th edition of the three-day Kumbha Mela which will held at Triveni Sangama, the confluence of river Cauvery, Kapila and Spatika Sarvara in T Narasipur town starting from February 10.. The state government has already released Rs 6 crore for the Kumbha Mela and a preliminary meeting to discuss various issues and arrangements has been held under the leadership of Suttur Mutt seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji and Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji.

The authorities have completed the work of erecting stages at different locations for religious events and also done the illumination work. A temporary bamboo wall is being constructed in the river as a precautionary measure to prevent untoward incidents. As lakhs ot people will take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion, lifeguards have been deployed at various locations near the river to keep an eye on those venturing into the waters for the holy dip. This apart, fire and emergency services and police personnel are also being deployed at vantage points to ensure the safety of devotees and dignitaries visiting the Triveni Sangama. As lakhs of devotees are expected to take the holy dip on February 12 between 9 am and 9.30 am during the auspicious Meena lagna and between 12 noon and 1 pm during the Vrushabha lagna , the authorities have developed three separate bathing ghats near Agasteswara Temple, Gunja Narasimhaswamy and Holedande Sri Bhiksheshwara Temple to ensure the safety of devotees. Apart from constructing safety walls, authorities have also made arrangements to deploy about 15 boats to keep a vigil.

Separate entry and exit points have been marked for the bathing ghats to prevent a stampede. Social Welfare and District Minister Dr H.C Mahadevappa will inaugurate the Ankurarpane and Flag Hoisting programme at 8.30 am on February. 10. The event will be presided over by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Ministers K. Venkatesh and R. Ramalinga Reddy and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka will be the special invitees. Meanwhile, members of Nagarika Seva Vedike have threatened to hold protests by displaying black flags in the town for neglecting the basic amenities.