Massive Turnout at Triveni Sangam on Maghi Purnima
In a spectacular display of devotion, over 2.10 crore devotees flocked to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Sunday to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima. This marked the fifth and second last bathing day of the ongoing Magh Mela, a significant religious gathering that draws pilgrims from across the country.
Record-Breaking Numbers and Future Projections
With this immense participation, the total number of devotees who have taken a bath at the Sangam so far has crossed the remarkable 20-crore mark, as confirmed by officials. The mela is set to conclude on February 15 with the Mahashivratri snan, and authorities anticipate that the final count will exceed 25 crore, highlighting the event's growing popularity and spiritual significance.
Efficient Arrangements and Smooth Operations
The crowd began swelling from Saturday night, and by 8 am on Sunday, approximately 90 lakh devotees had already taken their holy dip. Mela Adhikari Rishiraj attributed the smooth proceedings to clear weather conditions and efficient administrative arrangements. "Due to clear weather and efficient arrangements, devotees were able to take their dip and proceed to their destinations without any difficulty," he stated. By 4 pm, the number had surged to over 2.10 crore, showcasing the seamless flow of pilgrims.
To ensure safety and security, the mela police remained vigilant throughout the day. The administration reinforced the ghats and deployed volunteers to facilitate hassle-free bathing. A dedicated team from the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) was roped in to set up a robust security framework, leveraging advanced technology for comprehensive surveillance. Senior mela cops assessed security and logistical arrangements, monitoring live footage of crowd movement and infrastructure management.
Enhanced Facilities and Pilgrim Experiences
For the first time, the mela administration established Prayagwal Nagar, providing better arrangements for pilgrims and kalpwasis. Madhavanand Sharma, head priest of the Durgashakti Kalpavasi camp and national secretary of the All India Tirth Purohit Mahasabha, noted an unprecedented increase in pilgrims across all camps this year. "There was an unprecedented increase in the number of pilgrims in all the camps this year," he remarked.
The atmosphere was electrifying as devotees, clad in vibrant attire, chanted slogans like ‘Har Har Gange’, ‘Har Har Mahadev’, and ‘Jai Shri Ram’ along the 8 km-long temporary ghats on the banks of the Ganga. Officials reported that devotees adhered to rules and regulations, aiding effective crowd management. Anticipating the rush, authorities implemented a traffic diversion plan and stationed adequate police force at designated points. Mela police continuously encouraged devotees to leave the ghats after their dips to maintain crowd movement.
Special Focus on Kalpvasis
Special arrangements were made for Kalpvasis, who began their journey back to their native towns after the culmination of Maghi Purnima snan, having spent a month on the banks of the Ganga. The experience for Kalpvasis was notably different this year. Anguri Dubey, a 95-year-old woman from Etawah performing Kalpavas for the fifth consecutive year, shared that fewer people from her region used to participate, but this time, five individuals accompanied her. She praised the excellent arrangements for cleanliness, water, and electricity in the camps, with pure Ganga water readily available for bathing.
Krishna Kant Shukla, a retired deputy jailer from Pratapgarh, completed his 12-year Kalpavas this year and vowed to perform it again. "The government made excellent arrangements in the camps. My younger generation also came with me to perform Kalpavas this time," he expressed, underscoring the familial and spiritual bonds strengthened by the event.
Overall, the Maghi Purnima snan at Triveni Sangam not only set new records in devotion but also demonstrated exemplary coordination and facilities, making it a memorable experience for millions of pilgrims.
