Mahant Balak Das Advocates for Nationwide Toll Tax Exemption for Saints During Kumbh
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Prayagraj, Dec 1 (NationPress) With the upcoming Mahakumbh 2025 scheduled for January, Patalpuri Peethadheeshwar Mahant Balak Das expressed on Sunday that toll tax for saints should be exempted across India during this significant event.
Aligning with the Digambar Akhara, Mahant Balak Das mentioned that there are a total of 13 Akhadas, with the three principal ones being Digambar Ani Akhada, Nirvani Ani Akhada, and Nirmal Ani Akhada, established by Jagadguru Bala Nanda Acharya.
“The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers takes place in Prayagraj, making a holy bath here more significant than any other location,” he added.
The Patalpuri Peethadheeshwar indicated that this year’s ‘shahi snan’ would be referred to as ‘rajsi snan’.
“The Mahakumbh in Prayagraj will be particularly unique as it will take place under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” Mahant Balak Das remarked.
He also highlighted the importance of facilitating transportation for devotees attending the Mahakumbh, suggesting that those traveling by train and bus should benefit from discounted or complimentary travel options.
Moreover, he reiterated that toll tax for saints should be abolished nationwide during the Mahakumbh.
In response to this, the Yogi Adityanath government has declared that vehicles will be exempt from toll payments for 45 days in Uttar Pradesh, a decision influenced by the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela.
In the meantime, the grand procession of the 13 Akharas, embodying a deep-rooted public faith, made its entry into Kumbh City for Mahakumbh 2025 on November 3. The Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara of the Sanyasis made a spectacular entrance into Kumbh City with regal elegance.
Their impressive Nagar Pravesh Yatra commenced at the Hanuman Temple in Ramapur village and concluded at the Mauj Giri Ashram of Juna Akhara. Throughout the procession, Kumbh Mela officials showered the Mahatmas of the Akhara with flowers, while locals adorned the Mahamandaleshwars seated on silver thrones with petals.
The saints of the Akhara will remain in the city, and on December 14, under the guidance of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, they will ceremonially enter the Kumbh area.
It is noteworthy that Mahakumbh 2025 is being organized over a vast area of 4,000 hectares, segmented into 25 sectors.
