Basant Panchami: A Sacred Bathing Ritual at Maha Kumbh
PRAYAGRAJ: The sacred bathing ritual of Basant Panchami has officially commenced at the Maha Kumbh, with authorities adopting a “zero-error” approach to ensure the safety and smooth management of the massive crowds. The auspicious dip began at 9:14 AM on Sunday and will continue until 6:52 PM on Monday.
By noon, nearly 90 lakh devotees had already taken a dip at Sangam, with expectations of an even larger turnout on Monday, as all 13 akharas and Naga sadhus prepare for their Amrit Snan at dawn.
In light of the tragic stampede during the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan on January 29, which resulted in 30 fatalities, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized the need for a flawless event this time. District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand stated, “We are on high alert, and all necessary measures have been implemented for a safe snan.”
Robust Crowd Management Measures
To manage the enormous influx of pilgrims, the mela area—spanning 44 ghats over 4,000 hectares—has been meticulously prepared. The special crowd-control initiative, Operation 11, includes a one-way traffic system, strategic barricading, and enhanced police presence at crucial points.
Devotees are encouraged to avoid lingering at the ghats post-bathing and to explore alternative bathing sites within Prayagraj. Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, remarked, “The entire five ‘kos’ of Prayagraj is as pious as Sangam.”
As part of the crowd management strategy, a strict one-way route is in effect, with no vehicles allowed in the mela zone until February 5. The same trio of IAS officers who successfully managed the 2019 Kumbh has been deployed once again.
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