Massive Pilgrim Turnout Prompts School Closure in Prayagraj
The Prayagraj district administration has announced a holiday for all primary and middle schools from January 16 to 20. Officials made this decision in response to the enormous crowds expected for the ongoing Magh Mela festival.
District Basic Education Officer Anil Kumar explained the rationale behind the closure. He stated that the massive influx of pilgrims for Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya would likely cause significant traffic disruptions and hinder local transportation systems.
Online Classes to Continue During Closure
Despite the physical school closures, educational sessions will transition to online platforms during this five-day period. This move aims to maintain academic progress without interruption.
Kumar emphasized that only Classes 1 through 8 are affected by this temporary shutdown. The administration wants to ensure student safety while accommodating the religious gathering.
Nine Lakh Devotees Bathe on Ekadashi
On Wednesday, a vast gathering of pilgrims converged at Prayagraj's Sangam Ghat for ritual immersion during the Magh Mela. Devotees braved freezing temperatures to perform their sacred ablutions at the confluence of rivers.
Magh Mela Officer Rishi Raj reported impressive numbers from the early morning activities. By 6 AM, approximately 9.5 lakh individuals had already completed their holy baths at various ghats.
"Even on the occasion of Ekadashi, many people are taking a bath," Raj observed. "By 6 AM, around 9,50,000 people have already taken a bath, and devotees are bathing at all our ghats."
Heavy Security Deployment for Crowd Management
Authorities have implemented extensive security measures to manage the massive gatherings. SP Magh Mela Neeraj Pandey revealed that approximately 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the festival grounds.
The security arrangement includes multiple specialized units:
- 22 Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies
- 6 Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel
- Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) units
- Civil police personnel in large numbers
Pandey detailed the comprehensive security measures in place. "The water police are continuously patrolling... Surveillance is being conducted through drone cameras and CCTV cameras... Full preparations are in place, and everyone is being ensured a safe 'snaan'," he told ANI.
Magh Mela Draws Millions Annually
The Magh Mela represents an annual religious assembly held at the Sangam and along the Ganga banks. This spiritual event attracts millions of devotees from across the nation every year.
Current government projections suggest remarkable participation numbers. Officials anticipate over 10 million devotees will participate in the sacred immersion at the Sangam for Makar Sankranti alone.
Peak Attendance Expected on Mauni Amavasya
Attendance is expected to reach its highest point on January 18 for Mauni Amavasya. This particular day is widely regarded as the most spiritually significant bathing date of the entire festival period.
The festival follows the successful Paush Purnima bath, which witnessed participation from over 31 lakh devotees. Fair organizers are now finalizing arrangements for the upcoming Makar Sankranti rituals scheduled for January 15.
Enhanced Security Measures Implemented
Security has been significantly bolstered across the entire Magh Mela site. Specialized UP ATS mobile units are conducting regular patrols to oversee the expansive festival grounds.
Authorities have stepped up their management strategies to handle the enormous crowds. Senior officials confirm that these measures aim to guarantee peaceful execution of all major religious rituals throughout the festival period.
The administration remains focused on maintaining both security and spiritual sanctity as the Magh Mela continues through its scheduled events.
