ALLAHABAD: The department of posts will issue a special cover on Kinnar Akhara, the monastic order of LGBTQ community, during Kumbh to highlight the way of life and preaching of its ascetics.Besides, special covers will be released on five other aspects of the mega religious fair. Special covers are commemorative and issued in limited numbers to mark an occasion.Senior superintendent of posts (Allahabad region) Sanjay Akhare said, “This is the first time that the Kinnar Akhara is participating in Kumbh Mela . Their presence has raised curiosity among the people due to which we have decided to take out a special cover on them.”The decision has come even though Kinnar Akhara is yet to get recognition from Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the parent body of the 13 monastic orders.Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara Laxmi Narayan Tripathi said, “We are indebted to the postal department that they want to apprise people about our aims and objectives through pictures.”Kinnar Akhara recently joined hands with Juna Akhara for taking ‘shahi snan’ (royal bath) on the auspicious bathing days during Kumbh.The Allahabad region of India Post has finalised the design of the envelope after consultation with Kinnar Akhara. The special cover is expected to be released on Kumbh’s most auspicious bathing day — Mauni Amawasya — falling on February 4.Kinnar Akhara is likely to hog the limelight in the department’s plan with some other unique aspects of Kumbh Mela. The Akshayvat tree, situated in Akbar Fort, would be opened for public after 450 years. Architectural marvel Shankar Viman Mandapam, 22 pontoon bridges and floating post office are some other highlights.Special covers on Kumbh will be released on Makar Sakranti on Tuesday. Shankar Viman Mandapam will be released on another important bathing day of Paush Purnima on January 21. A special cover on Akshayvat will be released on Basant Panchmi on February 10 and that on pontoon bridges will be issued on Maha Shivratri on March 4, Akhare said.

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