Hermits at Kumbh Mela bemoan lack of facilities for them

HARIDWAR - Hermits at the ongoing Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, complained over the lack of necessary facilities for them.

The hermits or holy men, presently at the Kumbh Mela with their makeshift ashrams, are the favourite attractions for the visitors.They arrived in Kumbh Mela with an aim to impart their knowledge among the visitors and devotees.

But they are a bit upset with the lack of facilities provided to them by the fair authorities.

“It has been 15 days since we arrived here. First we had to ask for the accommodation. After we were provided with the tents, we had to pay rent for it. We even have to pay for the electricity bills and water facilities. Although we hermits paid for all the facilities in the beginning itself, even then the authorities are not proving us all the facilities.” said Mahant Ramesh Giri, a hermit.

Meanwhile, the local authorities say that the complaints are quite possible as a large number of hermits arrive every year. They assured that the complaints made by the hermits would be considered soon.

“I haven’t received any complaint yet, as my officials are keeping a check on all the facilities on a daily basis. We have made all the necessary facilities available for them but because the hermits arrive here in large numbers every year, such problems are quite possible,” said Umakant Panwar, Commissioner, Garhwal.

The nearly four-month-long “Kumbh Mela” is held every 12 years.

Kumbh Mela, which began from January 14 will continue till April 28. (ANI)