Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing Magh Mela preparations in Prayagraj on Saturday, placing special emphasis on the management of the imminent major bathing festivals. The CM highlighted the significant challenge of handling the dense pilgrim influx expected during Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya, which fall between January 14 and 18.
Focus on Pilgrim Safety and Mela Management
Chairing a meeting at the ICCC auditorium, the Chief Minister directed all officers to remain fully alert and proactive to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the religious congregation. He instructed officials to work with complete dedication, responsibility, and coordination for a successful event. A key digital initiative launched during the visit was the Magh Mela service app, designed to provide pilgrims with digital guidance. This app allows devotees to submit complaints and suggestions by simply scanning a QR code.
The review was informed by a detailed PowerPoint presentation from Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agrawal, outlining all arrangements. CM Adityanath commended the mela administration and associated departments for the successful handling of the Paush Purnima bathing festival, which saw a staggering turnout. Over 31 lakh devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Paush Purnima, far exceeding the anticipated 10-15 lakhs.
Directives for Cleanliness, Security, and Pilgrim Comfort
Adityanath issued a series of specific directives to various departments. He stressed maintaining top-notch cleanliness throughout the mela grounds, ordering the expansion of bathing areas and ghat space for devotees' convenience. Pilgrims were urged to help keep the Ganga clean by avoiding litter and refraining from using soap during bathing.
For the sanitation workforce, the CM instructed that their honorarium be paid on time and that they receive adequate facilities, including educational support for their children. The municipal corporation was tasked with preventing encroachments, keeping roads clear, and removing illegal hoardings. The police department was directed to ensure regular patrolling, prevent the sale of intoxicants, and keep anti-social elements under constant surveillance.
Anticipating heavy pressure at the Sangam Nose on major bathing days, Yogi ordered all necessary arrangements to be made in advance. He also called for sufficient bonfires to be arranged during cold weather and for blankets to be distributed to needy persons.
Spiritual Undertones and Future Projects
The CM's visit was imbued with spiritual significance as he took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, offered prayers at the Lete Hanuman Ji temple, and performed gau seva (cow feeding). During the meeting, he emphasized that saints, devotees, and pilgrims must be treated with utmost courtesy and that government welfare schemes should be widely publicized at the mela.
Responding to a request from saints, Adityanath asked the administration to begin the process of land identification and formalities for constructing a grand memorial of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya in Prayagraj. He elaborated on the saint's legacy, noting that Ramanandacharya created twelve disciples from different castes to unite society, a tradition that continues to foster unity within Sanatan Dharma today.
On logistical planning, the Chief Minister stressed the need for a solid traffic plan with backup arrangements in nearby districts for crowd control. He asked officers to personally monitor the situation during peak bathing days. Other instructions included prioritizing suggestions from public representatives, expediting work on a pending pontoon bridge, and ensuring the names of local representatives are displayed on development project plaques.
The bathing ritual calendar for the Magh Mela includes Makar Sankranti (Jan 14-15), Mauni Amavasya (Jan 18), Basant Panchami (Jan 23), Magh Purnima, and Mahashivratri (Feb 15).
