No photography within 100 metres of bathing ghats at Kumbh Mela, directs Allahabad High Court
Prayagraj: A bench of the Allahabad High Court today directed the Uttar Pradesh government and organisers to ensure that no photographs of women taking a bath or dip in river Ganges at Kumbh Mela are published in any visual or print medium. Media houses have also been warned against publishing such pictures.
Expressing their stern displeasure, a bench of justices PKS Baghel and Pankaj Bhatia took the organisers to task over the violation of a former court order which prohibits photography within 100 metres of the bathing ghat. The court's orders came on a plea filed by one Aseem Kumar in this regard and the next hearing has been scheduled for April 5.
Currently underway in Prayagraj, earlier known as Allahabad, the event is a mini version of the Kumbh Mela which is considered to be the 'largest human congregation' in the world. On Sunday, at least two crore devotees are expected to take a holy dip in river Ganges during the 'shahi snaan'. This part is considered crucial to the Mela since it is only after the 'shahi snaan' that people are allowed to take the holy dip.
On Thursday, attendees at the Kumbh Mela reinitiated the 'Prayag Panchkoshi Parikrama', reportedly after decades since it was last performed. According to reports by sections of the media, the ritual was last performed 550 years ago. However, the same is yet to be confirmed. In addition to this, arrangements have been made on a grandiose scale across the city of Prayagraj by the state government and the Uttar Pradesh police to ensure the smooth execution of the mela.