Prayagraj: As Maha Kumbh nears its commencement date, the religious festivities can be witnessed in the region and across the Sangam (confluence of Ganga and Yamuna). Mahamadaaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri of Kinnar Akhara performed a fire ritual (Havan), praying that the holy celebrations of Kumbh remain divine, grand and safe.
“Maha Kumbh will be grand. We performed Havan in our Akhara for the safety (of people) in Maha Kumbh. It was a special Havan for Maa Bagalmukhi, one of the 10 Mahavidyas, where the religious ritual was performed with mustard seeds. We prayed to Maa Baglamukhi for the Kumbh to remain divine, grand and safe. The government was making efforts to accommodate 40 crore people here and we prayed for their safe journey,” Kaushalya Nand Giri said.
The Maha Kumbh is expected to draw a massive crowd of around 40 crore people, posing a significant challenge for crowd management.
Speaking on the preparations for the Maha Kumbh, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Central Railway, Shashikant Tripathi said,”… The Civil Administration has given us an estimate that around 40 crore people will reach Prayagraj during the Kumbh Mela… Crowd management is a big subject for us.”
The North Central Railway has devised a plan to ensure a smooth and safe experience for the pilgrims. The uni-directional movement to prevent chaos and congestion, the movement of people will be kept uni-directional, avoiding criss-cross movements.
Moreover, passengers will be directed to the ‘Yatri-Kendra’ Before proceeding to their respective platforms, reducing confusion and congestion.
Meanwhile, as the preparations for Maha Kumbh keep the administration and people exuberant, several people are showcasing their talent in different ways.
After Chhotu Baba, who has become famous for not taking a bath in 32 years, and Chabhi wale Baba, who roams around with a 20-kilogram key, another person known as ‘E-rickshaw Baba’ has become the centre of attraction at the holi festival.
