Kumbh Mela cell gets 338 applications from religious bodies for space in Nashik

While the Sadhugram is being prepared as temporary settlement for the various Akhadas and Khalsas, there are many religious and spiritual organisations from all over India as well as abroad that have been demanding land space for residing in the Sadhugram during the Kumbh Mela.

The Kumbh Mela cell of the district administration has received 338 applications from religious and spiritual organisations for land space in Nashik and as many as 70 have applied for Trimbakeshwar. While these applications are those received till Monday, there is a possibility of the number increasing.

Three Vaishnav Akhadas — Digammbar Ani, Nirvani Ani, and Nirmohi Ani — settle at Nashik, while the 10 Shiva Akhadas settle at Trimbakeshwar. Separate arrangement of Sadhugram has been made by the district administration over 323 acres of land, some of which belongs to the municipal corporation and the rest has been temporarily acquired from farmers. At Trimbakeshwar, most of the Akhadas have their own premises and land and the administration has created the Sadhugram over an area of 17 acres given by Mahanirvani Akhada.

As per the procedure, the plots at Sadhugram will be handed over to the Akhada Parishad, which will then distribute the same among the Akhadas and the Khalsas. In Nashik, the three Akhadas together have about 650 Khalsas.

As of now, there are 1,800 plots that have toilet and bathroom blocks along with a washing area outside with a tap. In front of the blocks is open space where the Akhadas and Khalsas will put up their tents.

"After the Sadhugram is ready, we will discuss with the Mahants of the Akhadas their requirement and then allot the remaining space to the organisations who have applied. We will use the Allahabad allotment to these organisations as reference. The picture will be clear only when the work at Sadhugram is complete and ready for allotment," said Mahesh Patil, deputy collector, who is in-charge of the Kumbh Mela cell.

Among the organisations that have applied are those from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Uttrakhand, Orissa, as well as Nepal.

The Nepal Sadhu Mahasangh has written to the Indian embassy, requesting space in Nashik during the Kumbh Mela. These organisations will have community kitchens for the pilgrims as well as discourses.

Vaishnav Akhadas in Nashik
Digambar Ani Akhada
Nirvani Ani Akhada
Nirmohi Ani Akhada

Shiva Akhadas in Trimbakeshwar
Shri Shambhu Aavahan Akhada
Shri Shambhu Panchayati Dashnam Akhada
Shri Shambhu Panchayati Niranjani Akhada
Taponidhi Shri Panchayati Anand Akhada
Shri Panchayati Agni Akhada
Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhada
Shri Panchayati Atal Akhada
Shri Panchayati Bada Udasin Akhada
Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin Akhada
Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhada