Our Correspondent / Paryagraj (Allahabad)
The world’s largest Hindus’ cultural congregation -Kumbh 2019 began here at wee hours today. The Mela commenced with the holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. Director (Information), UP government, Shishir said told media that over one crore fifty lakh devotees have taken the dip at Sangam till 1:30 PM.
Twenty-one Snan Ghats have been set up for bathing. Special arrangements have been made for women devotees and for the first time three women police units have been pressed into service.
Forty police stations, 58 police outposts, including three women police station, have been erected where more than 20,000 security personnel are deployed.
It is for the first time that flowers rain is being made by helicopters on devotees at Kumbh.It is believed that holy dip at kumbh saves from sin and paves the way for salvation. The Mela area spread over 32000 hectares seems a Mini India where people from all parts of nation are flocked in. The Kumbh at Prayag is proving best example of ‘Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat’. ‘Kala Gram’ and ‘Sanskriti Gram’ enclaves here testify unity of India.Display and Dance of saints and seers of different Akharas and mock joust with sword and trident by ash smeared Nagas are centre of attraction of people. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the safe bathing.More than one lakh 20 thousand toilets have been erected and over 20 thousand dust bin are placed for Divya,Bhavya and Clean Kumbh.
The Kumbh Mela will continue for 49 days and conclude on 4th March on Mahashivratri. There are six main bathing dates including Makar Sankranti. The next two Royal bathings fall on Mauni Amavasya on 4th February and on Basant Panchmi on 10th February. Twelve crore devotees are expected during Kumbh 2019.
The Kumbh Mela will conclude on 4th March.