Warmth of faith at Ardh Kumbh meet chill of triveni waters

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Jan 19 (UNI) The second shahi snan (royal bath) of the Ardh Kumbh got underway here this morning with naga sanyasis leading a grand, colourful procession to the chilling waters of triveni sangam on the auspicious occasion of mauni amavasya.

The 'shahi snan' began at about 0530 hrs at the sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati.

''Mahamandaleshwars'' seated on guilded chariots and palanquins led the procession with sadhus of various akharas weilding swords, trishuls and spears.

The naked nagas and other sadhus attired in saffron robes, beating drums, were seen swaying to the tunes of scores of bands brought from across the country.

The ''Awahan akhara'', which boycotted the first shahi snan on January 15, has decided to boycott the second shahi snan also.

''Mahanirvani'' along with ''Atal'' was the first akhara to reach sangam for royal bathing. The mela administration has fixed the time for arrival, bathing and departure of various akharas.

According to Kumbh mela officer Prgyan Ram Mishra over eight million pilgrims had taken holy dip till late last night. The flow of the devotees in the mela area was still continuing. The mela administration hope about twenty million pilgrims would arrive during the auspicious bathing festival of the month-long Ardh Kumbh mela.

The bathing continued inspite of biting cold since yesterday.

People were seen leaving the area by different modes of transport after the bath.

The heavy influx of pilgrims has led to large crowds at the mela area, the roads leading to the mela, the railway and bus stations.

The devotees were bathing at the ghats adjacent to sangam. The mela administration has constructed 30 bathing ghats besides at the sangam.

The shahi snan was watched by commoners from behind the wooden barricades. Security personnel have been deployed along the bathing areas.

About 20,000 personnel of CRPF, PAC, BSF, water police and mounted police have been deployed in the mela area to regulate the crowd of the pilgrims.

Sniffer dogs, mine detection and bomb disposal squads have also been deployed in the area to maintain vigil round the clock.

Besides, 28 close circuit cameras have been installed at key points to check anti-social elements.

Only pedestrians are allowed in the mela area and the entry of all vehicles has been barred. One-way has been made for the pedestrian rush.

After taking bath the pilgrims can be seen visiting various temples, carrying warm clothes and eatables.

The railways has been running special trains and the UPSRTC has arranged three thousand more buses for commuting pilgrims to their respective destinations.

UNI