Preparations are in full swing at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh ahead of the Maghi Purnima Snan tomorrow. The bathing holds a great relevance as it marks the end of the special ritual of performing Kalpavas.
During this period, the Kalpvasis stay in temporary accommodations near the ghats of the Sangam. This year, more than 10 lakh people have performed Kalpavas in Mahakumbh. Special arrangements are being made by the Uttar Pradesh government to provide essential services to the devotees and for effective traffic management.
Akashvani’s correspondent reports that according to traditions, it is believed that performing Kalpavas on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj till the Maghi Purnima, yields the fruits of penance of a thousand years. Performing Kalpavas in Maha Kumbh is considered to be especially fruitful.
The Kalpavasis will perform Kalpavas by bathing in the holy Sangam on the full moon day as per the rites. They will then return to their huts on the banks of Sangam to listen to Satyanarayan Katha and perform Havan puja. After worship and donation, the Kalpvasis will leave their temporary accommodation and return to their homes.
To ease traffic congestion, the state government has introduced a special traffic plans to ensure smooth movement and safety of devotees. The entire mela area has been declared a ‘no vehicle zone’ starting from 4:00 AM today.
From 5:00 PM this evening, the ‘no vehicle zone’ will expand to the entire Prayagraj city. Only emergency and essential services will be allowed for movement during this period. This special traffic plan will remain in effect until the completion of the Magh Purnima snan tomorrow.
Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a special review meeting via video conferencing with senior government officials, police officers, and district administration officials from multiple districts.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the ongoing preparations and called for increase in shuttle buses from parking areas to the fairgrounds. Mr Adityanath also prioritized assistance for children, elderly, and women. He also directed the officials to prevent overcrowding at Prayagraj railway stations by deploying additional fair-special trains and Transport Corporation buses.
