CM to attend Kumbh Mela at K R Pet

` 50 lakh released by State government

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a host of former ministers and leaders will take part in the popular Kumbh Mela to be held at K R Pet, Mandya district on September 25 and 26.

Rivers Cauvery, Hemavathy and Lakshman Theertha confluence at Triveni Sangam in K R Pet, making the place sacred and a pilgrimage centre.

Adichunchanagiri seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, who was supervising the preparations made for the same, said the credit of holding a Maha Kumbh Mela in South India goes to late Dr Balagangadharanatha Swamiji and Sri Male Mahadeshwara Jayanthi and Maha Kumbh Mela will be held on September 26. Ganga puja will be held at a place which is considered sacred on September 24.

‘Kalasha sthapane’, ‘gana homa’, other puja rituals will be held on September 25. A procession of folk troupes will be held from Somanahalli, followed by Nandidhwaja puja. Former chief minister Jagadish Shettar will inaugurate the Jayanthi Mahotsava to be held at 12 noon on the day.

Former chief ministers B S Yeddyurappa and H D Kumaraswamy will participate in the inauguration of Bala Maheshwara temple.  Nadoja Prof Hampa Nagarajaiah will preside over the symposium to be held at 3 pm. Cultural programmes will be held at 6.30 pm, which will be inaugurated by Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree.

High Court Judge B Srinivas Gowda will preside. Kumbh Mela will be held on September 26, and ‘Kumbha Snana’ during the auspicious time at 9.10 am in the presence of swamijis of various mutts. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will participate in the valedictory ceremony at 1 pm and District-in-charge Minister Ambareesh will preside.

Mass feeding

Mahadeshwara Jayanthi Mahotsava Samiti working president D Madegowda said mass feeding has been organised for the devotees who arrive at the Kumbh Mela. He also appealed to devotees to donate food grains and other items liberally for the mass feeding. The State government has released Rs 50 lakh to provide basic amenities. Repair of roads, erecting stage and other works have been taken up, he added.

Kaginele seer Shivanandapuri, Deputy Commissioner B N Krishnaiah, Superintendent of Police Bushan Borase, ZP CEO P C Jayanna and others were present.