PRAYAGRAJ: Over 1 crore pilgrims and devotees took holy dip at the Sangam amidst tight security on the occasion of Mauni Amavasvya here on Tuesday.
The unexpected arrival of devotees and pilgrims has left the mela police authorities puzzled. They had to divert the route of devotees arriving at the mela campus through Kali sadak towards Jhunsi ghats via pontoon bridge. This was done on Tuesday morning hours when there was no space left at Sangam noze for devotees.
Once the cops managed to clear ghats at Sangam noze, the mela police again diverted the crowd of devotees towards Sangam noze. Pilgrims and devotees continued to flock mela campus from other districts like Gonda, Pratapgarh, Sitapur, Reewa, Kaushambi, Chitrakoot, Mirzapur, Sasaram and Satna.
SP (Magh Mela) Dr. Rajiv Narayan Mishra told TOI, “No untoward incident was reported and the day passed off peacefully. The pilgrims started reaching the city since Monday evening and the number crossed 1.45 crore by Tuesday evening”. He, however, said the ‘snan’ started on Monday due to Somwati Amavasya and over 90 lakh devotees took holy dip between 12 midnight (Monday) and 2 pm (Tuesday).
Even early morning dense foggy weather could not deter the spirit of devotees, who continued to flock mela campus from all corners. And, as the day progressed, the number of pilgrims swelled to more than one crore. It is considered pious to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasvya. The devotees did not leave any stone unturned to earn ‘punya’ and performed ‘puja’ and ‘yajna’ on the occasion. The Sangam reverberated with the chants of ‘Har-Har Gange’ and people from all age group were seen approaching the river to take a holy dip. Witnessing the huge crowd at Jhunsi side of the river, the Mela administration had constructed temporary ghats for the convenience of pilgrims and put up barricades.
Meanwhile, the Mela police and the Bhoole Bhatke Shivir claimed to have reunited more than 1,730 persons including 26 children, who somehow got separated from their family members. Volunteers of Shri Satya Sai Sewa Samiti (Jhunsi) distributed tea, snacks and ‘Khichdi’ among devotees. Sai devotees started distribution of tea and snacks from wee hours of Tuesday in proper dress code wearing scarf and putting mask on their faces.
Meanwhile, a strong posse of 5,500 policemen including personnel of ATS,STF, and para-military forces were roped in for making foolproof security arrangements. Senior police officials took stock of the security measures throughout the day. The officials also thanked the ‘kalpwasis’, dandi swamis, saints and pilgrims for their cooperation.
