In a spectacular display of faith, an estimated 22 lakh devotees converged at the sacred Sangam in Prayagraj on Saturday to take a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima. This massive gathering marked the formal commencement of the annual 44-day Magh Mela, a key event on the Hindu religious calendar.
A Congregation of Millions Amidst Winter Chill
Braving bone-chilling temperatures that hovered between 11.8 and 17.4 degrees Celsius, pilgrims began assembling at the ghats from the early morning hours. Their devotion remained undeterred as they stepped into the icy waters of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. By noon, officials reported that around 15 lakh people had taken the dip, with the number swelling to 22 lakh by the end of the day. The devotees hailed from various parts of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings on the occasion. In a post on social media platform X, he saluted Goddess Ganga and welcomed all saints, religious leaders, and pilgrims to "Prayagraj -- the king of pilgrimage sites." He prayed for the blessings of the holy rivers to fulfil everyone's wishes.
Commencement of Kalpwas and Mela Arrangements
The Paush Purnima snan also signalled the start of the month-long Kalpwas. Thousands of Kalpwasis have now begun their austere spiritual observance, which involves living on the riverbanks, following a disciplined routine of daily bathing, prayers, meditation, and acts of charity. The district administration has made special provisions for them, including designated residential zones and ensured basic amenities.
For the vast congregation, the administration implemented extensive arrangements:
- Security: A multi-layered security blanket was deployed, involving police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and disaster response teams.
- Surveillance: The mela area was monitored through CCTV cameras and drone surveillance to manage the crowd effectively.
- Traffic Management: Specific traffic diversion and vehicle-holding plans were enforced to prevent congestion on approach roads.
- Health & Sanitation: Medical camps, ambulances, and emergency teams were stationed at strategic points, alongside continuous sanitation drives.
- Basic Amenities: Arrangements for drinking water, temporary roads, and lighting were significantly augmented for pilgrim convenience.
Reuniting Families and Spiritual Atmosphere
The sheer scale of the event led to several devotees getting separated from their families in the dense crowds. Loudspeakers across the mela grounds frequently broadcast distress calls for missing persons. Lost-and-found camps operated round-the-clock, successfully reuniting most individuals with their families within a short span.
The sprawling sandy expanse of the mela was transformed into a vibrant spiritual township. Temporary camps, tents, and ashrams buzzed with activities, serving as centres for prayer, meditation, and religious discourses. The air was filled with the resonant sounds of religious chants and bhajans, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion. The Magh Mela will continue until February 15, drawing countless more seekers to its sacred grounds.
