Lakhs of pilgrims take dip on Maghi Purnima

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Feb 2: Lakhs of pilgrims today converged at Sangam to take a holy dip on the occasion of Maghi Purnima.

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

Though the 'Maghi Purnima' started at 1030 hrs, pilgrims had started the ritual bath since early morning. Maghi Purnima is the penultimate of the six bathing festivals of the 42-day-long Ardh Kumbh Mela. The last bath is on February 16 (Mahashivratri).

A total of 30 lakh pilgrims are expected to take holy dip in the sacred waters of Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, today.

All the 29 ghats have been opened to public, since there is no shahi snan today, Mela Officer Pragyam Ram Mishra told newsperson.

Earlier, a gathering of over one crore was expected, but as the pilgrims' flow suggest, only 25 lakh people are expected to visit the mela area, Mr Mishra informed.

Meanwhile, the sadhus, saints and about five lakh kalpvasis staying in the mela area have 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 would be the fifth of the six bathing festivals during the Ardh Kumbh -- three of them being Shahi Snans.

Mahashivratri would be the last bathing festival of Ardh Kumbh.

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 unstiched 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

Related Stories