With barely a week left for the Simhast (Kumbh) Mela in Ujjain, the issue of holy baths and religious processions has become a bone of contention among various akharas.

The Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, the supreme body of sadhus, has reportedly decided not to allow the Agni and Ahavan akharas to take bath along with the other akharas and take out the 'Peshwai'.

Ujjain Commissioner C P arora and Collector Rajesh Rajora said that the administration would not interfere in their matter and either they arrive at a compromise on the issue or let some court settle the matter.

They also added that as per tradition, they would follow the ABAP's decision.

Mela Officer R K Gupta said the government had allotted nearly Rs 317 crore for carrying out developmental works and making arrangements for the mela.

There will be three shahi snans (holy baths) in the month-long mela.