Maha Kumbh: 1 Crore Expected on Mahashivratri | Aakhir Tak

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

• Over 1 crore devotees are expected for the final Amrit Snan on Mahashivratri at Maha Kumbh.
• Nearly 64 crore devotees have already taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented extensive security measures.
• Ghats have been designated for devotees’ convenience.
• The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years in Prayagraj.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

More than 1 crore devotees are expected to gather at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj for the final Amrit Snan (holy bath) on the occasion of Mahashivratri. This Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious congregation, has drawn millions, and the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented extensive security measures to manage the massive influx of pilgrims. The Maha Kumbh commenced on January 13th.

To date, nearly 64 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, since the Maha Kumbh started on January 13. There have been a total of five Amrit Snans so far – January 13, January 14, January 29, February 3, and February 12.

Meanwhile, an even heavier rush of devotees is making its way to Prayagraj to partake in what is considered the largest gathering in human history, overwhelming trains, flights, and road routes. As part of special arrangements to facilitate devotees taking the holy dip, authorities have designated the Phaphamau Ghat for pilgrims arriving from Lucknow and Pratapgarh. The Arail Ghat has been reserved for people coming from Rewan, Banda, Chitrakoot, and Mirzapur. For devotees traveling from Kaushambi, the Sangam Ghat has been designated.

In terms of security measures, no vehicles will be allowed within the entire Mela (fair) area. Only vehicles with authorized passes will be permitted to park in designated parking zones. During this period, 40 police teams on motorcycles have been deployed across all major highways and routes leading to Prayagraj. Diversions have been created to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow. Additional Director General and Inspector General level officers will be stationed along the seven road routes connecting Prayagraj.

Because the final day of Kumbh coincides with Mahashivratri, devotees will be allowed to visit all Shiva temples in the city. Additional police personnel have been deployed to these temples to maintain law and order. At the outset of the Maha Kumbh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath projected that the event would attract over 45 crore devotees, a milestone that was achieved by February 11. In the following three days, that number surpassed 50 crore.

Held every four years at three sacred locations – Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik – and at Prayagraj every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims who believe that bathing in the holy rivers during this auspicious period leads to liberation from the cycle of life and death. This final Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh holds particular significance for many.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember:

• Maha Kumbh expects over 1 crore devotees for the final Amrit Snan on Mahashivratri.
• Approximately 64 crore devotees have already bathed in the Triveni Sangam.
• Extensive security arrangements are in place by the Uttar Pradesh government.
• Designated ghats are assigned for the convenience of devotees.
• The Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years in Prayagraj.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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