The Uttar Pradesh Police have established a floating police chowki to assist devotees as the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh commenced on Monday with the auspicious Paush Purnima and the Shahi Snan at the sacred Triveni Sangam.
Thousands of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers to take a holy dip and participate in religious rituals marking the beginning of this grand spiritual event.
Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Vijay Kumar, a pilgrim, said, “The facilities here are excellent. Everything from food to accommodation is well-organized, and the roads are in good condition.”
Another devotee shared, “I visit the Kumbh Mela wherever it is held. I live in a small temple and travel to all major pilgrim sites across India.”
This year’s Maha Kumbh holds a unique significance due to a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years, adding to the event’s spiritual importance.
Authorities have implemented a detailed traffic management plan to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and the safety of attendees:
- Entry Route: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg (Black Road).
- Exit Route: Triveni Marg.
- Parking Zones: Dedicated areas include Chini Mill Parking, Purva Surdas Parking, Garapur Road, Samyamai Temple Kachar Parking, and Badra Saunoti Rahimapur Marg.
To manage the influx during key bathing festivals, the Akshayavat Darshan will remain temporarily closed to visitors.
The Railway Board Chairman, Satish Kumar, highlighted significant upgrades to rail infrastructure for the Maha Kumbh.
“New stations have been constructed, and we are running approximately 13,000 trains, including 10,000 regular and 3,000 special services, to accommodate the heavy demand,” Kumar told ANI.
The Maha Kumbh, celebrated every 12 years, is the world’s largest spiritual gathering. This year, it is expected to attract over 45 crore devotees. The event will conclude on February 26, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, culture, and devotion.