Dehradun, Dec. 7 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday said that the state government was laying the groundwork for elaborate arrangements for the ceremonial bath and procession of folk deity symbols- devdolis- at the 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. The assurance came in response to a delegation from the Devbhoomi Lok Sanskriti Virasatiya Shobha Yatra Samiti requesting necessary arrangements for the procession in question. The delegation was led by the Samiti's working president, Harshmani Vyas. Dhami said that the processions would offer devotees and tourists to witness the grandeur of the state's folk traditions. Earlier, dharamshalas and ashrams not affiliated with any Akhada urged the state government to provide financial support and facilities similar to those given to recognised Akhadas, major ashrams and spiritual organisations for the Ardh Kumbh, people familiar with the matter said. Office bearers of the Haridwar "Dharamshala Prabandhak Sewa Samiti" said that with millions of devotees expected to arrive in Haridwar for the Ardh Kumbh, Dharamshalas - which provide affordable accommodation to a large proportion of pilgrims - should also be included in the government's support framework. Dhami assured financial grants and other facilities to the "Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad" and prominent spiritual leaders during a meeting at Damkoti state guest house. "Dharamshalas offer the bulk of accommodation during Kumbh fairs. Being low-cost and run with social and religious intent, they should also receive assistance. Any additional support we get will directly benefit the devotees staying with us and help enhance Haridwar's hospitality image," said Ram Avtar Sharma, president of the Dharamshala Prabandhak Sewa Samiti. Joint general secretary Hem Narayan Aggarwal said that during the 2010 Mahakumbh, Dharamshalas located in the Kumbh area were provided facilities by the government. "We are hopeful that similar assistance will be extended in 2027 as well," he added. Notably, during the 2021 Mahakumbh in Haridwar, all Akhadas under the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad were granted Rs.1 crore each for setting up chavnis (tent colonies), revamping Akhada structures and related expenses, along with temporary land allotments in the Kumbh zone for the four-month fair duration. Meanwhile, Ardh Kumbh Mela officer Sonika on Thursday told reporters in Haridwar that the government would ensure that all temporary and permanent projects underway for Ardh Kumbh Mela in 2027 would be completed timely and properly. The Mela officer made the assurance while reviewing projects currently underway. "Before Ardh Kumbh, all projects will be complete before time, so that pilgrims get access to the best of the facilities and take back cherished memories of their time in Kumbh City. To cater to water requirements during the fair, the Payjal Nigam has already begun construction of a 1500 kilolitres capacity high reservoir at Bairagi camp, 2 tube wells and a pump house. A 90 metre long bridge at Pathri Rau rivulet and 60 metre long pre-stretched bridge is also being constructed," said Sonika....