Prayagraj is set to witness a massive spiritual congregation as the sacred Magh Mela commences. Authorities anticipate that around four lakh kalpwasis will observe the austere ritual of kalpwas on the banks of the Ganga this year. The spiritual journey begins with the Paush Purnima snan on January 3, marking the first day of the mela.
Elaborate Arrangements for Devotees
Extensive preparations have been completed across Sectors 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the mela campus to accommodate the influx. A significant majority of the kalpwasis are expected to stay at the camps of renowned gurus, seers, and saints established within the grounds. Senior police officials have confirmed that the bulk of the devotees will arrive from Wednesday and should be settled by Friday.
Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey detailed the comprehensive traffic management plan designed to ensure a smooth arrival for pilgrims from neighboring districts and states. "We have appealed to all kalpwasis to use only the designated routes for seamless movement," stated Pandey. He further advised devotees to park their vehicles in assigned slots only after unpacking at their camps.
Detailed Route Plans for Pilgrims
To manage the colossal influx, mela authorities have specified distinct entry routes based on the origin of the pilgrims:
- Devotees from Jaunpur and Varanasi will enter via Old GT Road and Lower Sangam Road.
- Those traveling from Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, and Rewa will use the route via Leprosy Chowk, Bangar Chowk, GT Jawahar Chowk flyover, Shastri Bridge Jhunsi, and Katka intersection before entering the mela area.
- Kalpwasis from Kanpur and Prayagraj City will route via GT Jawahar Chowk, past Daraganj Police Station, and enter via Pontoon Bridge No. 5 and Lower Sangam Road.
- Pilgrims from Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Pratapgarh districts have multiple options, including routes via Basna Nala bridge or Chandrashekhar Azad Bridge and Riverfront Road, converging towards Pontoon Bridge No. 5.
- For those staying in Sectors 1 and 2, access is via GT Jawahar and Harshvardhan Chowk and Kali Marg.
The Spiritual Significance of Kalpwas
According to Pithadheeshwar Swami Brahmashram Maharaj, the national president of Akhil Bharatiya Dandi Sanyasi Parishad, kalpwasis from states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are likely to join from the very first bathing day. The kalpwas observance, which attracts devotees aged between 17 and 70, involves a spartan lifestyle and a strict satvik diet at the Sangam.
Religious scholar Dr. Amitabh Gour explained the profound meaning behind the ritual. "In the Vedas, a 'kalp' signifies a period equal to the years of the four yugas—Satyug, Treta, Dwapar, and Kalyug," he said. It is believed that observing kalpwas helps a devotee overcome sins from past births and break free from the perpetual cycle of birth and death.
The daily routine of a kalpwasi is rigorous and transformative. It mandates a dip in the Ganga at sunrise, followed by prayers to the sun. Most adherents consume only one meal per day. After completing twelve days, the kalpwasi must perform 'shayya daan'—donating their bed and all belongings. This practice of leading a minimalistic life on the Ganga's banks is noted for its positive impact on both mental and physical well-being.
The sacred month-long observance will culminate with the Maghi Purnima snan on February 1, bringing the spiritual journey to a close.
