The Governor Baby Rani Maurya along with her family members sought blessing from the saints based in Haridwar on the occasion of Annkoot Mahotsav on Thursday morning. She also greeted the people on Annkoot and Bhai Dooj. She said that she had come to seek blessing for herself and the welfare and prosperity for the State on the eve of the State formation day.

Earlier, the Governor reached Harihar Ashram at Kankhal in Haridwar along with her husband, mother and sister. She offered prayers at the ashram temple and prayed for the welfare of the State which would complete 18 years of its formation on November 9. She met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Awdheshananda Giri, head of Juna Akhada.

The Governor also reached the Bharat Mata Mandir and participated in the Annkoot Mahotsav where 56 types of delicacies were offered to the deity on the occasion.

Swami Awdheshananda and Satyamitranand Giri were present during the Mahotsav. Speaking on the occasion, the founder of Bharat Mata Mandir Swami Satyamitranand Giri said, “Ankoot is a festival of prosperity, love and devotion. Human welfare is the key behind the celebration. Just as Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his finger to save mankind the saint community must also work for the benefit of mankind.”

He further said that as Annkoot gives a message of environment conservation all must strive to conserve the forests and the mountains. “The humanity can be saved if we are ready to forego our narrow interests for a greater cause, for the welfare of all under the sun,” he said.

The Governor said that the festival embodies ‘Samnvay’ (coordination) which alone can bring prosperity in the State.

Asked to comment on the resolve of Satyamitranand Giri to undertake fast unto death from December 6, demanding the beginning of the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, Swami Awdheshanand Giri declined to comment. “Being the Acharya of Juna AKhada, I cannot comment on this matter,” he said.