Maha Kumbh Mela of Prayagraj

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest pilgrimage, got underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The main attraction is the holy bath at the Triveni Sangamam of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. This time, 40 crore pilgrims are expected to participate in the fest, which will span for more than a month. Last time 24 crore people participated in the fest held in 2013.

As the Maha Kumbh Mela happens only once in a century and a half, pilgrims from all across the nation and even from foreign abodes are expected to throng Prayagraj. 25 lakh people participated in the holy dip ceremony held before the fair. Although Kumbh Melas are held every three years at the bathing ghats of Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain, the Maha Kumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj.

The UP government led by Yogi Adityanath has prepared elaborate arrangements for the Maha Kumbh Mela, matching the requirements of modern times. The government has spent Rs 7,000 crores to prepare temporary tents and ancillary facilities, roads, parking lots, commercial areas, hotels, meditation halls, and prayer halls on 4000 hectares of land. Various Sanyasi Mutt and Aghadis have also provided various facilities at their convenience. Free food will be given to thousands of people in various places.

Although the expenditure will be at least ten thousand crore rupees, it is estimated that the revenue generated will be three times the invested money. This is nothing short of an economic boost for the country and the state of Uttar Pradesh. This year will also see an insane number of participants from foreigners, who are mystically drawn into the world of Hindu spirituality. The religious festival attracting such a large foreign participation is arguably among the top in the world. There is no room for misers in this festival as people are known to splash ample money to be part of the Jamboree.

For the poor sections, such spiritual gatherings are also a way to earn income through temporary jobs and small businesses. Being a part of the Kumbh Mela is one of the most auspicious things for Hindus. Chanting the name of Mahadeva and attaining tranquillity is akin to reaching the zenith of spirituality.

Crowd control should be given top priority in such pilgrimage gatherings. Even a little flub from authorities can invite a grave disaster. UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said that security has been given the most importance this time. The last Kumbh Mela was celebrated for cleanliness. This time, anticipating the crowd, the length of the ghats has been increased from 8 km to 12 km. Parking facilities have been provided for one and a half lakh vehicles. Traffic is controlled with the help of 3000 surveillance cameras.