Chief Secretary breaks decades-old tradition at Ardh Kumbh

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Allahabad, Feb 2 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Naveen Chandra Bajpai today broke a decades-old tradition by visiting Ardh Kumbh Mela on day of an important snan (bath).

Since 1954, there had been a tradition that VIPs stay away from the mela on days of important snans to enable policemen and administrators manage the sea of devotees.

VIPs usually do not visit the site, so that instead of taking care of them, the cops can attend to their primary task of managing huge crowds.

A stampede in 1954, which had reportedly killed around 1,000 people, was the reason behind the ''unsaid rule.'' But the CS, and the former CS and chairperson of the Revenue Board Neera Yadav today visited Ardh Kumbh Mela on Maghi Purnima to take holy dip in Sangam -- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.

An estimated 30 lakh pilgrims today converged at Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima.

The occasion of Maghi Purnima also marks the end of kalpvas by over five lakh pilgrims, who lead a simple life for a month on the banks of Sangam.

Although 'Maghi Purnima' started at 1030 hrs, pilgrims had started the ritual bathing since early morning.

Maghi Purnima is the penultimate of the six bathing festivals of the 42-day-long Ardh Kumbh Mela. The last bathing is on February 16 (Mahashivratri).

All the 29 ghats have been opened to public, since there is no shahi snan today.

Earlier, a gathering of over one crore was expected.

Sadhus, saints and about five lakh kalpvasis staying in the mela area have, meanwhile, started packing bags.

After a month-long stay here, they would leave for respective destinations beginning February 2, although the mela would continue till February 16, the Mahashivratri day.

''The mela administration would ensure smooth exit of kalpvasis from tomorrow noon onwards,'' Mr Mishra added.

Maghi Purnima would mark the completion of their 30-day stay at the mela. ''We would take holy dip at Sangam on Magi Purnima and leave for homes,'' said K K Ghatopkar, who hails from Maharashtra.

Maghi Purnima would mark the second full moon (purnima) of the mela. The kalpvasis had descended at the mela site on the first full moon nearly a month ago.

The Purnima was the fifth of the six bathing festivals during the Ardh Kumbh -- three of them being Shahi Snans.

During the period, when Magh Mela is held, a temporary township of tents comes up at Sangam.

Lakhs of tents are erected by the mela administration to enable the devotees live in the area during their stay. These temporary shelters/tents for the duration of mela to lead a sacred life is called kalpvas.

Most of the devouts wear unstitched clothes during the kalpvas.

The clothes could be either white, yellow or saffron, as per their belief.

The timing of the Kumbh, the month of Magh too is astrologically significant. It is the time, when the sun moves into the Tropic Of Capricorn signifying 'Makar Sakranti', a time when Allahabad receives direct rays of the sun.

UNI