No-Vehicle Zone For Mauni Amavasya At Kumbh Mela, Handcarts Step In

Devotees from across India and beyond are pouring into Prayagraj to partake in the holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela. After 144 years, the auspicious event is being held on the sacred banks of the Triveni Sangam. Preparations are in full swing for the major holy dip on January 29, which will coincide with Mauni Amavasya.

Since January 25, the Mela grounds have been designated a 'no-vehicle zone.' Attendees are required to park their vehicles outside the fairgrounds and walk to the Sangam. Given the considerable distance, special provisions have been made within the Mela area to assist devotees.

Handcarts have emerged as an essential means of transportation, helping visitors navigate the large grounds. The fare for transporting a person to the Mela area is approximately Rs 100, and the service is available at Sector-2 of the Mela grounds.

Shiv Pujan, a handcart operator, told Local18: "We help devotees travel from here to the Sangam. The fare is Rs 100 per person, and we also assist with their luggage."

Much like the helpers at Vaishno Devi, handcart operators have become crucial to the smooth movement of pilgrims in Prayagraj. Devotees express that the handcarts have significantly eased their journey across the 2km stretch to the Sangam.

For the handcart operators, the service has brought much-needed employment during the Kumbh Mela. An operator can earn up to Rs 2,000 per day, a welcome income after the uncertainty of the festival's initial preparations.

Mauni Amavasya Preparations Underway

A massive influx of devotees has already begun, as pilgrims flock to Prayagraj for the Mauni Amavasya dip on January 29. With the weekend rush and the arrival of the auspicious day, the city is experiencing an overwhelming crowd of devotees from every corner.

Railway stations, bus terminals, and highways are teeming with pilgrims, all eager to reach the Sangam for the sacred ritual. Over 1.25 crore devotees took a dip at the Sangam on Friday and Saturday, with the number expected to rise to around 10 crore for Mauni Amavasya, according to officials.

To accommodate the surge, extensive arrangements have been made across all sectors and zones to facilitate smooth movement. During the 'Amrit Snan,' there will be no special protocols to ensure public convenience.

Parking areas have been set up with basic facilities to cater to the devotees. In line with the traffic plan, vehicles will be directed to the nearest available parking zones, with alternative parking options provided as well.

Additionally, over 2,000 new signboards have been installed to help guide devotees and ensure a hassle-free experience.