First Magh Mela after Mahakumbh sees over 25 lakh devotees in UP
The first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has commenced with great fervor, as over 25 lakh devotees gathered at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh to take a holy dip on Paush Purnima. The event, which marks the beginning of the Magh Mela, has drawn a massive crowd of devotees from all over the country, with authorities estimating that the footfall may reach as high as 30 lakh.
The Magh Mela, which is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is held annually in Prayagraj, and this year’s event is particularly significant as it follows the recently concluded Mahakumbh. The Mahakumbh, which is held every 12 years, is one of the largest human gatherings in the world, and it drew millions of devotees to Prayagraj. The Magh Mela, on the other hand, is a smaller but still significant event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year.
The holy dip at the Sangam, which is the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is considered to be one of the most sacred rituals in Hinduism. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the holy waters on Paush Purnima, which is the full moon day in the month of Paush, brings them good fortune, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
To ensure the safety and security of the devotees, the authorities have made elaborate arrangements, including deploying over 10,000 police personnel, installing CCTV cameras, and deploying Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) commandos. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, is personally monitoring the arrangements to ensure that the event passes off smoothly and without any incidents.
The Magh Mela is not just a religious event, but also a cultural and social phenomenon. The mela grounds are filled with stalls selling everything from food and drinks to souvenirs and religious artifacts. The atmosphere is vibrant and festive, with devotees from all over the country coming together to celebrate their faith and spirituality.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also made arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the devotees, including setting up temporary shelters, providing medical facilities, and ensuring a steady supply of food and water. The government has also deployed a team of officials to monitor the arrangements and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
The Magh Mela is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and it attracts devotees from all over the world. The event is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India, and it highlights the importance of faith and spirituality in the lives of millions of people.
As the Magh Mela continues, the authorities are expecting a steady stream of devotees to arrive at the Sangam over the next few days. The event is expected to conclude on Maha Shivaratri, which falls on March 1, and the authorities are gearing up to handle the large crowds that are expected to gather on that day.
In conclusion, the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has commenced with great fervor, with over 25 lakh devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam on Paush Purnima. The event is a significant cultural and spiritual phenomenon, and it highlights the importance of faith and spirituality in the lives of millions of people. The authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the devotees, and the event is expected to pass off smoothly and without any incidents.