Huge tricolour hoisted near Sangam atop a 100-feet-high mast

Patriotic fervour has been added to the quest for spiritual bliss during Maha Kumbh at Sangam with the hoisting of a huge tricolour atop a 100-feet-high mast today.

The 36-feet-long and 24-feet-wide flag was hoisted by Congress MP and industrialist Naveen Jindal, who had legally questioned restriction on the public display of the tricolour on days other than the Republic Day and the Independence Day after which the Flag Code was amended.

Jindal took a holy dip in the Sangam before hoisting the flag inside the premises of the majestic fort built by Mughal Emperor Akbar close to the holy confluence, which now houses an Ordnance Depot and is hence known as "OD Fort."

"This is a part of our initiative to raise patriotic fervour across the country. We had decided to hoist monumental flags at 45 places across the country. Allahabad happens to be the 36th one," he said.

The 42-year-old business tycoon-turned-politician is also the founder of 'Flag Foundation of India,' which works towards popularising "the display of Tiranga by more and more Indians, with a great sense of pride."

On the occasion, Major General Bishamber Dayal, General Officer Commanding Purva UP and MP Sub Area, said "the flag will henceforth be guarded and maintained by the Army unit at OD Fort.

"Since it will be kept illuminated during the night, it can be kept on high mast 24 hours a day, seven days a week," he said.