New Delhi: With authorities at Maha Kumbh expecting around 10 crore devotees on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya for “Amrit Snan” the fair administration and Kumbh Police have made special arrangements to ensure their safety and convenience. There will be dedicated teams of police and medical professionals will be on 24/7 duty to assist devotees.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Prayagraj, Rajesh Dwivedi, has appealed to devotees to avoid rumours, remain alert, and seek assistance from the police in case of any issues adding that extensive arrangements have been made for the holy bath.
Crowd management guidelines: Dos and don’ts
What to do:
- Use designated lanes to reach the Sangam Ghats.
- Remain in your designated lane while bathing.
- Proceed directly to the parking area after bathing and darshan.
- Follow your lane while visiting temples.
- Seek help from the police for any issues.
- Traffic police are ready to assist you at all times.
- Visit the nearest sector hospital in case of health concerns.
- Maintain patience at barricades and pontoon bridges; avoid rushing or pushing.
- Use eco-friendly utensils made of paper, jute, or clay.
- Bathe at the ghat you arrive at, as all ghats are part of Sangam.
What not to do:
- Avoid gathering in large crowds at a single spot.
- Ensure that incoming and outgoing devotees do not intersect.
- Refrain from believing or spreading rumours.
- Do not trust misleading information on social media.
- Avoid rushing during temple visits.
- Do not obstruct pathways or hold areas.
- Do not fall prey to misinformation regarding arrangements.
- Avoid forwarding any false or misleading news.
- Avoid haste while bathing.
- Do not use plastic bags or utensils.
Elaborate arrangements in place
Elaborate arrangements have been made to accommodate the devotees. Spread across a 12-kilometre area, 44 ghats have been developed for the bathing. Senior officials, including SDMs, COs, and tehsildars, have been deployed at the ghats.
Additionally, IAS officers, ADMs, and PCS officers have been stationed at key locations such as the Eravat Ghat and Aral Ghat. District Magistrates and SPs from ten surrounding districts have also been assigned responsibilities to ensure smooth operations.
Large crowds have already begun gathering two days prior to the main event. Camps for saints, Kalpwasis, and religious organisations in the Maha Kumbh area are fully occupied, while hotels, government facilities, and private tent cities in Prayagraj are also at full capacity.
Special bathing ghats for saints
Although the auspicious bathing time begins around 8pm on Tuesday night, the grand procession of Akharas will start on Wednesday morning. Special bathing ghats have been set aside for the saints, their disciples, and devotees associated with the Akharas. General pilgrims will not have access to these designated ghats but can use separate bathing areas.
District Magistrate of Prayagraj, Ravindra Kumar Mandad, has requested residents to refrain from using four-wheelers during the festival. He urged citizens to cooperate with the administration to avoid traffic congestion. The advisory was shared via social media platform X, asking for public support in ensuring smooth arrangements.
