Kumbh Mela at T Narsipura from February 23 to 25

The three-day ninth Kumbh Mela will be held at Triveni Sangama in T Narsipura from February 23 to 25.

Briefing reporters, Deputy Commissioner K S Rame Gowda said efforts were being made to ensure safe and peaceful conduct of the mela, which is organised once in three years.

In the wake of the recent incident in Uttar Pradesh, where several devotees were killed in a stampede, the district administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure chaos-free religious rituals during the fair.

The patches at Sangama (confluence of three rivers), owing to rampant sand mining, will be levelled for the convenience of devotees taking a holy dip in the river. To enable devotees reach the middle of the river, makeshift steps would be laid, he said.

On the security measures, Superintendent of Police R Dileep said devotees will be prohibited from taking photographs with their cellphones, as that would lead to chaos during such congregation.

Police towers will be erected to give timely caution to people. Information centres will also be set up at the venue, he said.

Steps are also being taken to check incidents of chain-snatching and pick-pocketing.
Dileep said district in-charge Minister S A Ramdas has forwarded a proposal seeking Rs three crore for the mela. Both Suttur and Adhichunchanagiri mutts have taken over the task of mass feeding.

A strong contingent of police personnel will be deployed at the venue to ensure security. Suttur seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami said the chief minister and the deputy chief ministers were expected to participate in the rituals.