Religion News: Mauni Amavasya Sees Massive Devotee Turnout at Prayagraj's Magh Mela, Over 1 Crore Bathe by 8 AM

On the sacred occasion of Mauni Amavasya, the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh has become the focal point of immense spiritual fervor, as the annual Magh Mela witnesses an extraordinary congregation of devotees. The early morning hours saw a massive influx of pilgrims converging at the holy Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, to perform the ritualistic holy dip, considered highly auspicious on this day.

Early Morning Rush Sets the Tone

The day began with an overwhelming rush of devotees at the ghats of Prayagraj. According to official figures, by 4 AM, a staggering 50 lakh pilgrims had already taken their sacred bath in the Sangam, while this early morning surge underscored the profound devotion and eagerness of the faithful to observe the rituals of Mauni Amavasya. As the sun began to rise and daylight spread across the mela grounds, the numbers continued to swell rapidly. By 7 AM, the count of bathers had surpassed 75 lakh, indicating an unprecedented gathering.

Over 1 Crore Devotees Take Holy Dip

By 8 AM, the number of devotees who had taken the holy dip at Prayagraj's Magh Mela had exceeded 1 crore. This figure marks a significant milestone, highlighting the deep-rooted faith and belief associated with Mauni Amavasya. The mela administration had made extensive preparations to manage the expected crowds, but the actual turnout proved to be even larger than anticipated. The previous day, Saturday, had also seen a substantial gathering, with approximately 1. 5 crore devotees visiting the Prayagraj Sangam for a holy dip, setting the stage for the massive turnout on Mauni Amavasya.

Anticipated Footfall of 3 Crore Pilgrims

The mela administration is now anticipating that a total of approximately 3 crore devotees may visit Prayagraj for the holy bath on this auspicious day, while given that over 1 crore pilgrims had already completed their dips by early morning, it's projected that the numbers will continue to rise Notably as the day progresses and the sun shines brighter, encouraging more people to join the spiritual congregation. This colossal gathering firmly establishes the Magh Mela as one of the world's largest annual religious events, drawing millions seeking spiritual purification and liberation.

Solid Security Measures in Place

In light of the immense crowd, the mela administration has implemented stringent security arrangements. A strong security framework has been put in place across the entire Magh Mela area to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure a safe environment for all pilgrims. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) patrolling teams have also been deployed in the mela zone, maintaining a vigilant watch for any suspicious activities. This deployment underscores the seriousness with which security is being handled.

Extensive Checking and Police Vigilance

To further enhance the safety of devotees on Mauni Amavasya, a large-scale checking drive was conducted throughout the Magh Mela area. Security officials, equipped with metal detectors, meticulously scanned the entire mela grounds, with particular attention paid to crowded areas and bathing ghats. Given the massive influx of pilgrims, Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar himself was present at the bathing ghats along with his team. He was continuously appealing to devotees to move away from the ghats after their bath to allow others access and prevent overcrowding. Additional CP Ajay Pal Sharma was also present, overseeing the security operations.

Prayagraj District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma stated that comprehensive arrangements have been made in view of Mauni Amavasya. A smooth exit system is effectively managing the return of pilgrims after their holy bath, while vehicle movement in the parking areas is also proceeding according to the administration's plan, preventing traffic congestion. The District Magistrate further assured that devotees have not faced any problems so far, which speaks to the efficient management capabilities of the administration. Every effort has been made to ensure that pilgrims can complete their religious rites without any inconvenience.