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 gathered at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to take a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima. The festival, which marks the beginning of the Magh Mela, 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 Magh Mela, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is held every year on the banks of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. This year’s festival holds special significance, as it is the first Magh Mela to be held after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, which was held in 2021. The Mahakumbh, which is held every 12 years, saw a massive turnout of over 20 crore devotees, and the Magh Mela is expected to be just as successful.
The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, with a heavy security presence in place. Over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, and CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations to monitor the crowd. Additionally, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) commandos have been deployed to provide an extra layer of security.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally monitoring the arrangements for the festival, and has instructed officials to ensure that all necessary facilities are in place for the devotees. The government has also set up a number of facilities, including medical camps, food stalls, and temporary shelters, to cater to the needs of the devotees.
The Magh Mela is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and is considered to be one of the most important festivals in the country. The festival is held to commemorate the descent of the Ganga river to earth, and is believed to have purifying properties. Devotees from all over the country gather at the Sangam to take a holy dip in the river, which is believed to wash away their sins and bring them closer to God.
The festival is also an important cultural event, with a number of cultural programs and activities being organized to showcase the rich heritage of the state. The government has set up a number of stalls and exhibitions to promote the local handicrafts and cuisine, and a number of cultural performances, including music and dance programs, are being held to entertain the devotees.
The success of the Magh Mela is a testament to the enduring appeal of the festival, and the ability of the government to manage large-scale events. The festival is expected to generate significant revenue for the state, with a number of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, benefiting from the influx of devotees.
In conclusion, the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has commenced with a massive turnout of devotees, and is expected to be a grand success. The government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, and the devotees are being provided with all necessary facilities. The festival is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and is an important cultural event that showcases the rich heritage of the state.
As the festival continues, it is expected that the number of devotees will increase, and the government will have to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place to cater to their needs. The success of the Magh Mela will be a testament to the ability of the government to manage large-scale events, and will provide a significant boost to the local economy.