Live telecast of Kumbh Mela

MUMBAI, JAN.4. Viewers throughout the country would be able to see the millennium's first Maha-Kumbh live as the Uttar Pradesh Government has commissioned the Aastha Television Channel to telecast proceedings of the mega-event, which begins at Allahabad on January 9.

Aastha, launched by the CMM Broadcasting Network Ltd, is the only TV channel commissioned by the UP Government as the `associate organisation' of the Ministry of Information and Public Relations.

The Ministry would provide accommodation, facilities to set-up studio facilities at the site,local transportation, hospitality, communication facilities and other assistance to facilitate extensive coverage of the Maha-Kumbh Mela-2001 for 45 days including aerial coverage, said CMM broadcasting Network chairman and managing director, Mr. Kirit Mehta.

He said the administrative machinery, including the Mela authority, police and all concerned Ministries would also provide support to Aastha TV channel to enable full coverage of the mela.

Every aspect of the logistics had been meticulously and strategically planned, Mr.Mehta added.

A team of 155 technicians equipped with latest equipments including 22 digital cameras, eight Betacam editing suites and graphic equipment would cover the event.The team had been preparing for the past four months.

`Virtual bath'

For the devout who will not be able to make it to the Maha Kumbh at Allahabad there is now an offer of a ``virtual holy bath'' at their homes.

The ``virtual bath'' is part of the online service offered by the Uttar Pradesh Government to take the Kumbh to the people.

The webdunia.com will provide the rare spectacle of ``faith online'' for the benefit of the millions of people in more than 150 countries, according to Mr. Vinay Chhajlani, CEO of the portal.

``We want to take the Kumbh to the people who cannot attend it, Mr.Chhajlani said.

There will also be kiosks in the Kumbh area providing online information about the city, the fair, accommodation and travel guides and routes besides weather updates.

The Kumbh site will be updated with stories, features and photographs every four hours, he said. Two cyber cafes at the mela site will help the people, especially mediapersons, to communicate outside

- UNI

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