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 converging at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh to take a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima. The massive turnout has exceeded the expectations of the authorities, who are now estimating that the footfall may reach an astonishing 30 lakh by the end of the festival. To ensure the safety and security of the devotees, a heavy security arrangement has been put in place, with over 10,000 police personnel, CCTV cameras, and commandos from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) deployed in the area.
The Magh Mela, which is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, is being held after a gap of three years, following the Mahakumbh, which was held in 2021. The festival is expected to continue for over a month, with devotees from all over the country and abroad flocking to the Sangam to take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The festival is considered to be of great spiritual significance, and devotees believe that taking a dip in the holy waters during this period can wash away their sins and bring them closer to salvation.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has made elaborate arrangements to ensure that the festival is held smoothly and safely. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the arrangements, and has instructed the officials to leave no stone unturned in providing the best possible facilities to the devotees. The state government has set up a number of amenities, including temporary shelters, food stalls, and medical facilities, to cater to the needs of the devotees.
The security arrangement at the festival is being overseen by the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, who has deployed a large contingent of police personnel to maintain law and order in the area. The police are using advanced technology, including CCTV cameras and drones, to keep a watchful eye on the crowd and prevent any untoward incidents. The ATS and NIA commandos have also been deployed to deal with any potential security threats.
Despite the large turnout, the festival has so far been peaceful, with no major incidents reported. The devotees have been praising the arrangements made by the government, and have expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and the officials for providing them with a safe and comfortable environment to participate in the festival.
The Magh Mela is not only a significant spiritual event, but also an important cultural and economic festival. The festival provides a boost to the local economy, with thousands of vendors and traders setting up stalls to sell their wares to the devotees. The festival also provides an opportunity for the devotees to showcase their cultural heritage, with a number of cultural programs and events being organized during the festival.
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 massive turnout has exceeded the expectations of the authorities, who are now estimating that the footfall may reach 30 lakh by the end of the festival. The heavy security arrangement and the elaborate amenities provided by the government have ensured that the festival is being held smoothly and safely. As the festival continues, it is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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