New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has decided against going to the Kumbh festival this year to prevent any inconvenience to people at the religious gathering, said to be one of the world`s largest congregations.
In a message, Gandhi said she was grateful to the residents of Haridwar and saints who had invited her to the Kumbh festival. "I wanted to come, but thinking that my visit on this occasion should not cause any inconvenience, I have been forced to drop the idea," she said.
Gandhi said the Kumbh festival was part of the country`s tradition and people had an abiding faith in it for centuries.
She said faith among people in a religious country like India evokes in them feeling of respect towards human values.
She hoped that the approach of respecting human values in accordance with the thoughts of the country`s ancient seers, saints and philosophers will continue to inspire the society towards justice, tolerance and high principles.
Gandhi conveyed her greetings to all "Kumbh-yatris (visitors to Kumbh)" and the devotees. The Kumbh this year is from January 14 to April 28.
IANS
