Prayagraj: Preparations are in full swing for the Maha Kumbh Mela to be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on January 2025. Crores of devotees are expected to attend the Kumbh, and for their security, thousands of policemen from different states have been deployed. Around 6,000 policemen have been assigned to the Maha Kumbh, with deployment beginning on October 25. Among these, 1,200 personnel have applied for leave in December.
Of the 1,200 policemen who have applied for leave, more than half, 700 policemen, have cited the same reasons: their wives’ delivery or illness. One policeman’s wife is due to deliver in January, while another’s wife is expected to deliver in December.
Leave requests disrupt Maha Kumbh security
The unusual trend has surprised the officers overseeing the security arrangements for the Maha Kumbh. Most of these policemen are constables recruited in 2018 and 2023. Policemen from nearly all districts of Uttar Pradesh are part of the deployment. Apart from that, 250 policemen have applied for leave due to their parents’ illness. Others have sought leave for various reasons, such as attending a relative’s ‘tehrvi’ (thirteenth-day ceremony after death) or similar events.
In such a situation, only those with genuine needs are being granted leave, while some leave requests are being cancelled. The fair is set to begin on January 13 and as the date approaches, camps for saints and mahants are also being set up. So it is crucial to have sufficient policemen available to maintain security and law and order.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela will begin on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan and conclude on February 26, 2025. The major event is expected to attract an unprecedented gathering of 40 crore devotees, surpassing the 25 crore turnout recorded during the 2019 Kumbh Mela.
Six major bathing dates will see the most participation. This includes the Paush Purnima on January 13, Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12 and Maha Shivratri on February 26. It is to be noted that Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami have been designated as Shahi Snan, or royal baths, marking the most auspicious moments of the event.
