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, marking the beginning of a month-long spiritual journey for millions of Hindus. On the occasion of Paush Purnima, over 25 lakh devotees took a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The authorities are estimating that the footfall may reach 30 lakh, making it one of the largest gatherings of devotees in recent years.
The Magh Mela, which is a smaller version of the Kumbh Mela, is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, attracting devotees from all over the country. The event is organized every year, but this year’s Magh Mela holds special significance as it is the first one after the grand Mahakumbh, which was held in 2021. The Mahakumbh, which is held every 12 years, saw a massive turnout of over 20 crore devotees, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Magh Mela. A heavy security blanket has been put in place, with over 10,000 police personnel deployed to maintain law and order. The security arrangements include CCTV cameras, Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) commandos, who are keeping a close watch on the proceedings.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally monitoring the arrangements, ensuring that every aspect of the event is taken care of. The government has also made arrangements for the accommodation, food, and medical care of the devotees. The mela area has been divided into different sectors, with each sector having its own set of facilities, including toilets, bathing ghats, and medical camps.
The devotees, who have come from all over the country, are thrilled to be a part of this sacred event. Many of them have been waiting for months, even years, to take a holy dip at the Sangam, which is believed to wash away their sins. The atmosphere at the mela is electric, with devotees chanting hymns, singing bhajans, and performing rituals.
The Magh Mela is not just a religious event, but also a cultural and social phenomenon. It brings together people from all walks of life, transcending caste, creed, and economic barriers. The event provides a platform for devotees to connect with each other, share their experiences, and strengthen their faith.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also taken steps to promote the Magh Mela as a tourist event, highlighting the state’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The event is expected to generate significant revenue for the state, with thousands of devotees and tourists expected to visit Prayagraj over the next few weeks.
As the Magh Mela continues to attract large numbers of devotees, the authorities are geared up to handle any situation that may arise. The security arrangements are being constantly reviewed and updated, to ensure that the event passes off peacefully.
In conclusion, the first Magh Mela after the Prayagraj Mahakumbh has got off to a grand start, with over 25 lakh devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam. The event is expected to attract millions of devotees over the next few weeks, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the country. With heavy security arrangements in place and the state government monitoring the event closely, the Magh Mela is all set to be a grand success.
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