First Magh Mela after Mahakumbh sees over 25 lakh devotees in UP
The first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has commenced with a massive turnout of devotees, as over 25 lakh people took a holy dip at the Sangam on Paush Purnima. The festival, which began on January 6, is expected to attract a large number of devotees from all over the country, with authorities estimating that the footfall may reach 30 lakh. The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the festival, with heavy security measures in place.
The Magh Mela, which is one of the largest and most significant Hindu festivals in India, is held every year at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The festival is a celebration of the sacred rivers and the divine power of the gods, and it attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. This year, the festival has gained even more significance, as it is the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, which was held in 2019.
The Paush Purnima, which marks the beginning of the Magh Mela, is considered an auspicious day for taking a holy dip in the sacred rivers. Thousands of devotees gathered at the Sangam early in the morning, eager to take a dip in the holy waters. The atmosphere was electric, with devotees chanting hymns and mantras, and the sound of conch shells and drums filling the air.
To ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the festival, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed over 10,000 police personnel, including anti-terrorism squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) commandos. The festival area has been divided into different sectors, with each sector being guarded by a team of police personnel. The police are also using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor the festival area and prevent any untoward incidents.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally monitoring the arrangements for the festival, and he has instructed the authorities to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided to the devotees. The government has set up makeshift tents and shelters for the devotees, and it has also arranged for medical facilities, including hospitals and ambulances.
The Magh Mela is not just a religious festival, but it is also an important cultural and social event. It provides a platform for people to come together and celebrate their faith and traditions. The festival also has significant economic benefits, as it attracts millions of tourists and generates revenue for the local economy.
The Uttar Pradesh government has taken several steps to promote the Magh Mela and attract more tourists to the festival. It has launched a website and a mobile app to provide information about the festival, and it has also organized cultural events and programs to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state.
In addition to the security arrangements, the government has also taken steps to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of the festival area. It has deployed a large number of sanitation workers to keep the area clean, and it has also set up toilets and bathing facilities for the devotees.
The Magh Mela is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and it is an important part of India’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is a celebration of the divine power of the gods, and it provides a platform for people to come together and express their faith and devotion. With the Uttar Pradesh government’s elaborate arrangements and heavy security measures in place, the festival is expected to be a grand success, and it is likely to attract millions of devotees from all over the world.
In conclusion, the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has commenced with a massive turnout of devotees, and it is expected to be a grand success. The Uttar Pradesh government’s elaborate arrangements and heavy security measures have ensured the smooth and safe conduct of the festival, and it has provided a platform for people to come together and celebrate their faith and traditions.
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