Massive turnout at Magh Mela on Mauni Amavasya, 1.5 crore bathe by morning

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): Devotees have been arriving at the Sangam banks since early morning on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya in Prayagraj. As part of the Magh Mela, large numbers of people are bathing in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. According to available data, by 8 a.m., more than 10 million devotees had taken a holy dip in the Sangam. The administration estimates that approximately 30 million devotees may reach Prayagraj on this auspicious day.

A huge crowd of devotees gathered at the Magh Mela on Mauni Amavasya; by 8:30 am, 1.5 crore people had taken a holy dip: According to information, around 75 lakh people had taken a bath till 7 am, while by 4 am this number was around 50 lakh. Earlier on Saturday also, around 1.5 crore devotees had reached Sangam for a bath. This time the number of devotees in Magh Mela is seen to be more than expected. It is believed that as the sun becomes stronger, the number of people taking a bath may increase further. Keeping this in mind, the administration has tightened the security arrangements. Patrol teams of UP ATS have also been deployed in the fair area.

To ensure the safety of devotees on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a massive checking campaign was launched. Security personnel conducted intensive checks of the Magh Mela area with the help of metal detectors. In view of the huge crowd, Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar himself was present at the bathing ghats with the police force and kept appealing to the devotees to vacate the ghats after bathing, so that others could also get the opportunity to bathe. Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma was also deployed with him.

Prayagraj District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma stated that extensive and well-planned arrangements have been made for Mauni Amavasya. Devotees are returning smoothly after bathing. Evacuation arrangements and vehicle movement in parking areas are proceeding as planned by the administration. So far, no inconvenience has been reported by devotees.