First Magh Mela after Mahakumbh sees over 25 lakh devotees in UP
The first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has kicked off with a massive turnout of devotees, with over 25 lakh individuals taking a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of Paush Purnima. The event, which marks the beginning of the Magh Mela, has drawn a large crowd of devotees from all over the country, with authorities estimating that the footfall may reach 30 lakh by the end of the festival.
The Magh Mela, which is one of the largest and most significant religious festivals in India, is held annually in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The festival, which typically takes place over a period of 45 days, attracts millions of devotees who come to take a holy dip in the Sangam, which is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The festival is considered to be one of the most sacred and auspicious occasions in the Hindu calendar, and is believed to bring good fortune and spiritual enlightenment to those who participate.
This year’s Magh Mela is particularly significant, as it is the first one to be held after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, which took place in 2021. The Mahakumbh, which is held every 12 years, is one of the largest and most spectacular religious festivals in the world, and attracts millions of devotees from all over the globe. The Magh Mela, which is a smaller but still significant festival, is expected to draw a large crowd of devotees who were unable to attend the Mahakumbh.
The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Magh Mela. A heavy security presence, comprising over 10,000 police personnel, has been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents. The festival area has also been equipped with CCTV cameras, and commandos from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been deployed to provide an additional layer of security.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally monitoring the arrangements for the Magh Mela, and has instructed officials to ensure that all necessary facilities and amenities are provided to 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 massive turnout of devotees on the first day of the Magh Mela has been welcomed by the government and festival organizers, who see it as a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of the festival. The festival is expected to continue for several weeks, with a large crowd of devotees expected to attend each day.
The Magh Mela is not only a significant religious festival, but also an important cultural and economic event. The festival provides a major boost to the local economy, with thousands of vendors and traders setting up stalls to sell a wide range of goods and services. The festival also provides an opportunity for devotees to come together and celebrate their faith and cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has gotten off to a spectacular start, with over 25 lakh devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of Paush Purnima. The festival, which is expected to continue for several weeks, is a significant cultural and religious event that attracts millions of devotees from all over the country. With elaborate arrangements in place to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the festival, the Magh Mela is set to be a major success, and a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.