Ardh Kumbh: Awahan Akhara boycotts bath

ALLAHABAD: The Awahan Akhara, which had last evening agreed to participate in 'Shahi Snan' at the ongoing Ardh Kumbh following a patch-up with Joona Akhara again decided to stick to its earlier decision to boycott the sacred bath.

"A review of the compromise formula late on Sunday night led us to the conclusion that it was not acceptable and hence we decided to boycott," the secretary of the Awahan Akhara Shivshankar Giri said.

Differences broke out between the Awahan Akhara and Joona Akhara after the latter refused to allow the ascetics of Awahan Akhara to carry their banners in the procession leading to the 'Snan'.

The Awahan initially threatened to boycott the bathing ceremony but later announced that a compromise had been worked out.

Giri said that ascetics of his Akhara are not participating in the bath.

All remaining akhras are participating in the 'Snan' ceremony as per schedule.