New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) The central government has released Rs.400 crore for preparations for the Kumbh Mela religious festival, to be held next year at Hardwar in Uttarakhand.
“We are happy to announce that the central government has released Rs.400 crore for the preparations,” Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said in his inaugural address at the India International Trade Fair here Saturday.

“Visitors to the Kumbh Mela are not in lakhs but in crores. So our government is doing everything to manage things smoothly. Preparation is on full swing and with this financial support we will be able to make this event a success,” Pokhriyal said.

The festival is scheduled to start Jan 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, considered an auspicious day on the Hindu calendar.

He also welcomed the move to make Uttarakhand the focus state at this year’s trade fair, saying: “This will give us an opportunity to showcase our resources and tourism opportunities to international and domestic tourists.”