The world's largest religious gathering, Maha Kumbh, began at Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh today. The Mela began with the royal bathing or Shahi Snan of the Akharas this morning. More than one crore people are expected to take holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on the occasion of Makar Sankranti today. Over 20 bathing Ghats have been developed at the Sangam for the purpose. Tehri Hydro Development Corporation has released 2,500 cusecs of water into the river Ganga to make adequate water available for bathing at the Sangam. The Mela, which is held every 12 years, will conclude on Maha Shivaratri on the 10th of March.
Authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the event. 30 Police Stations and 40 Outposts have been set up at the Mela ground, which are being manned by 50 inspectors, 550 sub-inspectors, 450 head constables and 5,800 constables. Besides Uttar Pradesh Police, more than 7,000 personnel from central paramilitary forces, including Rapid Action Force and National Disaster Response Force, have been deployed to ensure security of the fair. The administration are expecting a nearly 10 per cent rise in pilgrims attending the mass Hindu pilgrimage this year compared to the previous Maha Kumbh held in Allahabad in 2001. CCTV cameras have been installed across the sprawling Mela area to keep a tab on the activities of those taking part in the congregation.
Railways will run over 750 special trains during the mela period and 1,900 extra coaches have been requistioned to clear the rush. A total of 133 ticketing and enquiry counters have been set up at various places including Allahabad and Sangam.
In West Bengal, lakhs of people have gathered at Ganga Sagar, a confluence of Bhagirathi and Bay of Bengal to take a holy dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Our Kolkata corespondent reports that pilgrims have come from all over the country and also from abroad.
The harvest festival of Pongal is being celebrated with traditional gaiety and grandeur all over Tamil Nadu today. The entire state, especially the rural areas, wore a festive look. Pongal signals the end of winter and the onset of spring. The festival which begins on the first day of Thai is celebrated for three more days.
The harvest festival of Bhogali Bihu is being celebrated in Assam with traditional pomp and gaiety. A host of cultural programmes and traditional sports are being organised to mark the occasion. Irrespective of caste and creed, people are greeting each other on the occasion. Along with traditional sports, various cultural activities will also be organised. People set ablaze Meji early this morning. Assam Governor JB Patnaik and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi have greeted people on this occasion.