First Magh Mela after Mahakumbh sees over 25 lakh devotees in UP
The first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has begun with a massive turnout of devotees, as over 25 lakh people took a holy dip at the Sangam on Paush Purnima. The Magh Mela, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the country, is expected to see a footfall of over 30 lakh devotees, according to estimates by the authorities. The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the devotees, with a heavy deployment of police personnel, CCTV cameras, and commandos from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Magh Mela, which is held annually at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is a significant event in the Hindu calendar. The mela, which began on Paush Purnima, will continue for over a month, with the main bathing dates being Makar Sankranti, Paush Purnima, and Maghi Purnima. The devotees, who have come from all over the country, have been thronging the ghats of the Sangam, taking dips in the holy waters and offering prayers to the deities.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the Magh Mela. The government has deployed over 10,000 police personnel, including senior officers, to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the devotees. The police personnel have been deployed at various points, including the ghats, the mela grounds, and the surrounding areas.
In addition to the police personnel, the government has also deployed CCTV cameras at various points to monitor the movement of the devotees and to prevent any untoward incidents. The ATS and NIA commandos have also been deployed to ensure the security of the devotees and to prevent any terrorist activity.
The Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, is personally monitoring the arrangements for the Magh Mela, and has directed the officials to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided to the devotees. The government has also set up medical camps, food stalls, and other facilities to cater to the needs of the devotees.
The Magh Mela is not only a significant religious event but also an important cultural event, with various cultural programs and activities being organized during the mela. The devotees can be seen performing various rituals and ceremonies, including the traditional “shahi snan” (royal bath), which is a significant part of the Magh Mela.
The Magh Mela is also an important economic event, with thousands of vendors and traders setting up stalls to sell various items, including food, clothing, and other souvenirs. The mela is a significant source of revenue for the local economy, with the government earning crores of rupees from the sale of tickets, parking, and other facilities.
The success of the Magh Mela is a testament to the ability of the Uttar Pradesh government to organize large-scale events, which require meticulous planning and execution. The government’s efforts to ensure the safety and security of the devotees, as well as to provide them with all necessary facilities, have been appreciated by the devotees and the general public.
In conclusion, the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has begun with a massive turnout of devotees, with over 25 lakh people taking a holy dip at the Sangam on Paush Purnima. The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the devotees, with a heavy deployment of police personnel, CCTV cameras, and commandos from the ATS and NIA. The Magh Mela is not only a significant religious event but also an important cultural and economic event, with thousands of devotees and vendors participating in the mela.