Holy men disappointed at exclusion from Kumbh Mela organising committee

Nashik: Holy men of various orders from Trimbakeshwar, Nashik and Thane have expressed their disappointment after being excluded from the apex committee and local committee organising the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela festival to be held here in 2015-16.[caption id="attachment_1194083" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image of devotee at Kumbh Mela. AP image[/caption]"If our names are not included in these committees, the administration will have to face strong opposition from us," they told reporters yesterday, after attending a meeting of 50 holy men at Panchavati's Balaji temple.They said that during the 2003-2004 Kumbh Mela festival, holy men from 13 orders were included in such committees."However, this time, the local administration has not included us. If the government does not want to include us on these committees, then it should celebrate the Kumbh Mela without us," the holy men said.Mahant Bhakticharandas Maharaj, Mahant Shivanand Saraswati, Mahant Ramnaraindas, Mahant Narsingdas Maharaj, Mahant Chandradip Maharaj, Mahant Ramdas Maharaj, Nashik's Kailas Mutt chief Swami Sanvidananda Saraswati, Mahants Bansipuri Maharaj, Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj and Mahant Pranavanand Saraswati attended the meeting.PTI