The 44-day-long Magh Mela commenced today at the Sangam in Prayagraj with the auspicious bath on Paush Purnima. Devotees began taking the holy dip early in the morning. According to the Magh Mela Authority, 21 lakh 50 thousand pilgrims had taken the sacred bath at the Sangam till 4 PM today.

 

Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the Mela area. The administration has put in place extensive arrangements for the convenience of pilgrims. This year, the Mela area has been spread over 800 hectares and divided into seven sectors. Parking facilities have been arranged at 42 locations.

 

For medical emergencies, two hospitals with 20 beds each have been set up. The Mela area is secured with 17 police stations, 42 police outposts, and a dedicated police control room. Around 400 CCTV cameras have been installed. Prayagraj District Magistrate Manish Verma said that officials are maintaining a constant vigil.

 

To facilitate smooth transportation, 3,800 buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation have been deployed. There will be six major bathing occasions during the Magh Mela, which will conclude with the holy bath on Mahashivratri. Uttar Pradesh’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Mr Jaiveer Singh, said that the Magh Mela is not merely a religious event, but a living expression of the Indian ethos. 

 

The important dates of bathing this year include Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 18, Basant Panchami on January 23, Maghi Purnima on February 1 and Mahashivratri on February 15.