Another Busy Day at Maha Kumbh as Thousands Take Holy Dip at Sunrise
The Third ‘Amrit Snan’ at Maha Kumbh Sees Thousands Taking Holy Dip
Thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in the Maha Kumbh in the early hours to participate in the third ‘Amrit Snan’ on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami. The ritual commenced with the Naga Sadhus taking the first dip at dawn, followed by a multitude of other devotees. According to a government official, over 16 lakh devotees had taken the holy dip by 4 am, bringing the total number of participants in the Maha Kumbh to nearly 35 crore.
Unprecedented Arrangements in Place for the Occasion
The authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj have made elaborate arrangements for the event, expecting at least three crore people to participate on Basant Panchami. Following a tragic stampede that claimed 30 lives and injured 60 individuals due to overcrowding at the Maha Kumbh venue, the authorities have mobilized all available resources to manage the crowd. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been overseeing the situation closely from a “war room” at his Lucknow residence since the early hours.
Enhanced Security Measures and Crowd Control
To ensure the safety of participants, 270 trainee Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including 77 women officers, have been deployed in Prayagraj. VVIP movements have been restricted on the day before and the day of the ‘snan’ to prevent overcrowding. Aerial surveys of the venue will be conducted regularly to estimate the crowd size and prevent any untoward incidents.
Additional Bathing Dates and Transportation Facilities
While Basant Panchami marks the third and final ‘amrit snan’ at the Maha Kumbh, two more special bathing dates are scheduled for February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Mahashivratri). The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has arranged a dedicated fleet of shuttle and reserved buses to manage the influx of devotees. 2,500 buses will operate from four temporary bus stations to facilitate the orderly return of devotees.
Medical Facilities and Emergency Response
In light of the massive gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all medical personnel to remain vigilant and ensure the well-being of millions of devotees. Over 1,200 medical personnel are stationed in Mahakumbh Nagar, with a backup plan in place to address any emergencies. The government has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and health of all participants, making it a top priority for the event.
With meticulous planning and stringent security measures in place, the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj continues to attract millions of devotees seeking spiritual fulfillment and blessings on this auspicious occasion.