UP minister invites Arunachal village heads to Kumbh Mela
ITANAGAR: The Uttar Pradesh government has invited village heads of Arunachal Pradesh for the Kumbh Mela to be held from January 15 to March. Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State for Rural Development Mahindra Singh met Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig. Dr. B.D. Mishra (Retd) at Raj Bhavan in Itanagar on Thursday and briefed him about the Mela arrangements. Singh said he has been sent by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with a special request to all the village heads to visit Kumbh Mela. “Dr Singh, while formally inviting the Governor to the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj (Allahabad), briefed him about the arrangements for the devotees and tourists during the auspicious occasion,” a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan said on Thursday. Singh said the arrangements made for the Kumbh Mela this year are the best ever done for any Mela in the world. There are provisions for the pilgrims for their movement, stay, food, parking, lighting and medical emergencies. “The Mela ground has been expanded by 100 per cent. The hygiene, sanitation and pilgrims’ conveniences have been taken care of. Visitors from around 90 countries will attend the Prayagraj Mela this year”, Singh said. (IANS)
Assam tea one of the best: Sir Vivian Richards
GUWAHATI: Cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards on Thursday said he will take home Assam tea as he considers it to be one of the best. The former West Indies skipper also praised the weather of Assam and opined that there are many things common between Antigua and India. “It is a beautiful experience to come to Guwahati. When I arrived here from Kolkata, the air was very fresh. I liked the beauty of the place. “Your tea is special. Whenever I come here, I have it. It is world renowned. Whenever I go somewhere, I try to find out what’s special there. Tea is special here,” Richards said at a press conference here. He informed that he is going to get some tea back home as the “tea in Assam is one of the best in the world”. Talking about the weather, Richards said: “The weather here is very special these days in this part of the world. Wednesday at night when I went out, the coolness of breeze was wonderful. We have something in common.” He said that coming to India is always special for him as there are many things common between his country and India, including the passion for cricket. (PTI)