Prayagraj: Thousands of faithful descended on this historic city, renamed by the BJP government from Allahabad, for the first ‘Shahi Snan (royal bath) on Tuesday to mark the start of Kumbh Mela, where the devout from within and abroad will mingle over the course of the next 45 days for the mega religious, spiritual and cultural congregation that is expected to attract more than 15 crore people.
The first ‘Shahi Snan’, which, according to legends, opens the doors to heaven, will begin on Tuesday at about 5.30 am and will go on till about 4.30 in the evening, officials said. A mini city of 3,200 acres has been set up along the bank of the river Ganga to accommodate the pilgrims.
A slew of temporary tent accommodations, at rates ranging from Rs 2,100/night to Rs 20,000/night have cropped along the banks of the Hindu holy river.
Additionally, dormitories and tent stalls have been created for the various akharas and saints arriving here in large numbers.
Security has been beefed up and the Kumbh administration is prepared for the expected crowd, officials said.
“For the first time, three women units have been deployed at the Kumbh Mela site to specially cater to our women pilgrims. A Foreign Help Desk has also been running 24/7 because there is a greater interest among foreigners. We are expecting a unit from MEA to arrive tomorrow to address queries foreign visitors may have,” K P Singh, DIG Kumbh Mela, told reporters here.
He said the paramilitary and police personnel have been deployed in all sectors of the Mela, along with 3,000 traffic personnel to monitor and control the traffic leading up to the Sangam, which is where the devotees are headed to take the holy dip.
The Kumbh administration has built four pontoon bridges that lead the visitors to the five-kilometre bathing ghat at Sangam. Personnel have been deployed at all entry and exit points of these bridges to maintain order.
Visible in the by-lanes of the city are thousands of devotees — all headed in one direction, like a swarm of bees — while religious chantings resonate in the air. Along with those on pilgrimage are hundreds of craftsmen, artisans and local vendors who dot the roads on both sides.
Arrangements for changing rooms and toilets have been made at the bathing ghats too, officials said.
— IANS
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