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 on Paush Purnima. The massive turnout has exceeded the expectations of the authorities, who estimate that the footfall may reach 30 lakh by the end of the festival. The Magh Mela, which is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is being held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and is expected to attract millions of devotees from all over the country.
The festival began on Paush Purnima, which is considered an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. The devotees started arriving at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, from early morning, and the numbers kept swelling throughout the day. The authorities had made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowd, including setting up temporary shelters, toilets, and medical facilities.
The security arrangements at the festival are also robust, with over 10,000 police personnel deployed to maintain law and order. The festival area is also being monitored by CCTV cameras, and teams of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) commandos are also present to prevent any untoward incidents. The Uttar Pradesh government has also set up a control room to monitor the situation and respond to any emergencies.
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, is personally monitoring the arrangements at the festival, and has directed the officials to ensure that the devotees face no inconvenience. The government has also made arrangements for the devotees to take a holy dip in the river, and has set up ghats and bathing areas for the purpose.
The Magh Mela is a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, and is held every year in Prayagraj. The festival is believed to have been started by the sage Agastya, who is said to have taken a holy dip in the Sangam on Paush Purnima. The festival is also associated with the legend of the samudra manthan, or the churning of the ocean, which is said to have taken place at the Sangam.
The festival is not only a religious occasion, but also a cultural and social event. The devotees come from all over the country to participate in the festival, and it is an opportunity for them to meet and interact with each other. The festival also provides a platform for the devotees to showcase their cultural and artistic talents, and many cultural programs and events are organized during the festival.
The Magh Mela is also an important economic event, and generates significant revenue for the local economy. The festival attracts millions of devotees, who come to Prayagraj to participate in the festival, and this leads to a significant increase in economic activity in the city. The local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, benefit significantly from the festival, and it is an important source of income for them.
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 on Paush Purnima. The massive turnout has exceeded the expectations of the authorities, and it is expected that the footfall may reach 30 lakh by the end of the festival. The authorities have made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowd, and the security arrangements are also robust. The festival is not only a religious occasion, but also a cultural and social event, and it provides a platform for the devotees to showcase their cultural and artistic talents.
The success of the festival is a testament to the efforts of the authorities, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the devotees face no inconvenience. The festival is also an important economic event, and generates significant revenue for the local economy. As the festival continues, it is expected that the number of devotees will continue to swell, and the city of Prayagraj will be filled with the sounds of chanting, music, and laughter.
For more information, you can visit the official website of the Magh Mela, or follow the local news channels for updates. The festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it is an opportunity for the devotees to connect with their spiritual selves and experience the rich cultural heritage of India.
About the Author
