Haridwar: The 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela has officially begun today. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived in Haridwar today, where he began a meeting with saints and sages from all thirteen Akharas at Damkothi. All the prominent saints were present. CM Dhami welcomed them with garlands and shawls.
The government will organize the 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela as a full Kumbh. Therefore, discussions will be held today in Haridwar regarding the Peshwai, royal bath, and cantonments, similar to those in the Kumbh Mela. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Garhwal IG Rajiv Swaroop, Kumbh Mela Officer Sonika, DM Mayur Dixit, SSP Pramod Singh Dobal, and Additional Mela Officer Dayanand Saraswati, along with officials from various departments, were also present at the event.
Ardh Kumbh Mela is held at two places.
There are only two places in the country where the Ardh Kumbh Mela is held: Haridwar and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The Ardh Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj is called the Magh Mela, while the fair held in Haridwar is simply called the Ardh Kumbh.
The government is making extensive preparations for the Ardh Kumbh as well, as a large number of devotees arrive to bathe in the Ganga. However, unlike the Kumbh Mela, there are no Akhara processions during this time. Furthermore, unlike the Kumbh Mela, there are no special arrangements for the saints and sages during the Ardh Kumbh. It is only during the Maha Kumbh that the government makes the most arrangements for the saints and sages. It is believed that the Maha Kumbh is essentially a fair for saints and sages. However, this time the state government has decided to organize the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar on the lines of the Kumbh.
The Ganga ghats are being strengthened for the Kumbh, and some new ghats are also being constructed. In view of security and arrangements, the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area has been divided into several zones and sectors. Mela Officer Sonika Singh is continuously holding meetings with officials to expedite preparations for the Ardh Kumbh Mela.
