Maha Kumbh set to begin on ‘Paush Purnima’ in Prayagraj 

Security measures have been strengthened at temples, at key sites in the Mahakumbh Nagar area, and across all the routes leading to Prayagraj

Prayagraj is preparing for the 45-day Maha Kumbh, considered the biggest gathering of human beings in the world, starting on Monday with the ‘Shahi Snan’ on the occasion of Paush Purnima at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati rivers.

Security measures have been strengthened at temples, at key sites in the Mahakumbh Nagar area, and across all the routes leading to Prayagraj. Intensive checking and frisking of vehicles is underway on seven major roadways connecting Prayagraj and districts along these routes.

The upcoming Maha Kumbh, held after 12 years, is expected to witness millions of devotees taking a bath in the holy Sangam on January 13. The event will conclude on February 26, with over 400 million people expected to visit the Maha Kumbh.

On Sunday, a day before the Paush Purnima at the Maha Kumbh, the banks of the Sangam witnessed lakhs of devotees gathering to take a holy dip in the sacred waters. Fifty-five police stations are functional in the temporary Mahakumbh district with 45,000 police personnel deployed for the event. Thirteen ‘akharas’ of seers from different sects are participating in the Maha Kumbh.

Prayagraj city has been adorned with drawings depicting different aspects of Hinduism. The crossroads have seen a major facelift, decked up with various religious objects, including the kalash (pitcher), conch shell, and various positions of the Surya Namaskar practice in yoga.

Barricades have been put up at various crossroads and tri-sections for better crowd management. An Integrated Command and Control Centre monitors every activity across Mahakumbh city, complemented by AI-enabled cameras for enhanced surveillance.

In view of the Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti festivals, the Prayagraj traffic police devised a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth movement and safety of devotees visiting the Kumbh Mela area. The plan includes traffic diversions, and parking arrangements for all vehicles entering the Kumbh Mela region. The entry route to the Sangam Mela area will be via Jawaharlal Nehru Marg (Black Road), and the exit route will be via Triveni Marg. During major bathing festivals, the ‘Akshayavat Darshan’ will remain closed for visitors.

Published - January 12, 2025 03:55 pm IST