First Magh Mela after Mahakumbh sees over 25 lakh devotees in UP
The first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has begun on a grand note, with over 25 lakh devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh. The festival, which started on Paush Purnima, is expected to see a massive turnout, with authorities estimating that the footfall may reach 30 lakh. The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the devotees, with a heavy security deployment in place.
The Magh Mela, which is one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in India, is held every year at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. This year’s festival is particularly significant, as it is the first Magh Mela after the Mahakumbh, which was held in 2021. The Mahakumbh, which is held every 12 years, saw a massive turnout of over 20 crore devotees, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Magh Mela, which will continue for over a month, is expected to see a similar turnout, with devotees from all over the country and abroad flocking to the Sangam to take a holy dip. The festival is considered to be one of the most sacred and auspicious occasions in the Hindu calendar, and is believed to wash away the sins of the devotees.
To ensure the safety and security of the devotees, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed a massive security force, consisting of over 10,000 police personnel, as well as CCTV cameras, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) commandos. The security arrangements are being personally monitored by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has instructed the authorities to ensure that the festival is held in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The government has also made arrangements for the accommodation and feeding of the devotees, with thousands of tents and shelters being set up at the mela grounds. The devotees will be provided with free food, water, and medical facilities, and will also have access to toilets and other basic amenities.
The Magh Mela is not only a significant religious gathering, but also an important cultural and economic event. The festival is expected to generate significant revenue for the local economy, with thousands of vendors and traders setting up stalls to sell a wide range of goods and services. The festival will also provide a boost to the local tourism industry, with thousands of tourists and pilgrims visiting the city to attend the festival.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also made arrangements for the transportation of the devotees, with special buses and trains being run to and from the mela grounds. The government has also set up a helpline and a control room to monitor the festival and respond to any emergencies that may arise.
In addition to the security arrangements, the government has also taken steps to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of the mela grounds. Thousands of sanitation workers have been deployed to keep the area clean, and arrangements have been made for the disposal of waste and garbage.
The Magh Mela is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and is considered to be one of the most important festivals in India. The festival is a celebration of the sacred and the divine, and is an opportunity for devotees to come together and worship. The festival is also an important cultural event, and is a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of India.
In conclusion, the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has begun on a grand note, with over 25 lakh devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam. The festival is expected to see a massive turnout, and the Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the devotees. The festival is not only a significant religious gathering, but also an important cultural and economic event, and is expected to generate significant revenue for the local economy.
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