Over 50 lakh pilgrims to converge for 'Maghi Purnima' at Sangam

Allahabad, Feb 1 (UNI) Over 5 million pilgrims are likely to converge for the 'Maghi Purnima', the second last bathing festival of the month long (Jan-Feb) Ardh Kumbh Mela, to seep in the highly spiritual ambience and enjoy the colour, beauty and often bizarre sights of the Mela, which has a special attraction of its own.

'Maghi Purnima' happens to be the most important bathing festival of the Ardh Kumbh Mela after 'Paush Purnima' (January 3), 'Makar Sankranti' (January 14-15), 'Mauni Amawasya' (January 19) and 'Basant Panchami' (January 23). The last bathing festival is on 'Maha Shivratri' (February 16).

The 'Maghi Purnima' has started today at around 2200 hrs and would continue tommorow till 2100 hrs. millions of devouts have thronged the city of tents to take a dip at the Sangam -- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Talking to UNI, mela officer Pragyan Ram Mishra said ''even though, prominent 'akharas' have gone after 'Basant Panchami', we are expecting a rush of over 5 million lakh devotees tommorow.'' ''We are also expecting a large number of VIPs who could not have a bath on the previous bathing festivals,'' Mr Mishra added.

The Mela administration had requested VIPs not to visit the Mela area on the important bathing days, following heavy rush of the pilgrims.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Mela area) Rajiv Sabharwal said preparations are afoot for the 'Maghi Purnima'. Adquate security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident. A large number of security personnel have been pressed into round the clock service.

The entire Mela area had been divided into 6 zones and 14 sectors. Around 30 police stations, 35 police chowki, 5 police lines have been set up. Besides, 28 close circuit cameras would be placed at the city's hot spots to keep an eye over the entry of suspected persons during the Mela, Mr Sabharwal added.

''People have already started coming from today. The flow is expected to continue till tomorrow night. In case, the number of devouts is much higher, the administration would implement 'Scheme 7' to divert the pilgrims to the Sangam through a longer route,'' Mr Sabharwal said.

Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh Mela are such great momentous events where one can realise the essence of India's great religious traditions.

The events are held here after every twelve and six years on the sandy bed of the river Ganga.

People believe that bathing during the Ardh Kumbh Mela at the Sangam washes away the sins of generations. The bathing ritual at the Sangam is equal to 1,000 'Ashwamedha Yajnas' (horse sacrifices). Even Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman had visited Sangam during their 14 year exile. Lord Ram had to take a dip in the Ganga to wash away His sin of killing a brahmin (Ravan).

Perhaps, there are very few places parallel to Allahabad which are described with great reverence in ancient scriptures as Prayag - Prayagraj or Teertharaj, that is, 'the holiest pilgrimage centre'.

With the added attractions of Kumbh&Ardh Kumbh events, hailed as the world's largest congregation of devotees, its glory has doubled.

According to Hindu Mythology, Gods and the Demons once churned the oceans in search of the 'amrit' (nectar) for immortality. As soon as the pitcher containing nectar was retrieved, a struggle started between the two to wrest control of the same. During this, the pitcher of Amrit was kept at four different places -- Prayag (Allahabad), Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain making them sacred. Since then, Kumbh festival is celebrated at these four places.

UNI