As evening descends upon Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh Mela witnesses an unprecedented surge in devotees. The streets and alleys of the city are packed to the brim, with an unending sea of people moving toward the sacred Sangam.
Despite extensive barricading and crowd management measures by the administration, the sheer volume of pilgrims has overwhelmed control points, leading to moments of disorder.
A striking example of this was seen at the Shastri Bridge, where the surging crowd dismantled the barricades and moved directly into the fairgrounds.
At the railway station and bus stands, there is hardly any space to stand, with waves of devotees arriving continuously.
In just two hours, from 4 PM to 6 PM, an astounding 7 million people took a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers.
Prayagraj Becomes the Largest City on Earth
For a brief moment in history, the Maha Kumbh transformed Prayagraj into the world’s most populous city. The population of the city has soared past 45 million, making it the largest congregation of people in a single location. By Tuesday, approximately 46.4 million devotees had taken a dip in the holy waters, and when combined with the resident population of 7 million, the total count reached 53.4 million—surpassing the metropolitan population of Tokyo, the world’s most populous urban center.
Earlier, on Makar Sankranti, Prayagraj had set another record with 42 million devotees gathering, earning it the title of the largest district in the world for the day.
Emergency Meetings and High Alert
With the ever-growing crowd, the state administration has sprung into action. An emergency meeting was convened by ADG Bhanu Bhaskar and the city commissioner, attended by top officials from the police, CRPF, ITBP, railway, and administrative departments. A high-alert status has been declared to manage the overwhelming influx of devotees.
Since January 13, a staggering 147.6 million pilgrims have performed the holy dip, reinforcing the Maha Kumbh’s status as the largest religious gathering in human history.
Highlights from the Maha Kumbh
- Devotional Acts and Sightings
- Arun Govil, the actor-turned-MP from Meerut, famous for portraying Lord Ram in Ramayan, was seen distributing prasad at a community feast (bhandara) along the Sangam banks.
- Naga Sadhus, some riding camels, were blessing devotees in a surreal and grand display of ascetic tradition.
- A Rain of Rose Petals on 100 Million Devotees
- On Mauni Amavasya, a highly auspicious day for the Maha Kumbh, over 100 million devotees are expected to take a holy dip. To honor this mass devotion, 25 quintals (2,500 kg) of rose petals have been arranged for an aerial floral shower over the pilgrims.
- Krishna Mohan Choudhary, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, confirmed the arrangement, with an additional 5 quintals of petals kept on standby.
- The flower shower will be conducted 5 to 6 times across all major ghats, ensuring that the sacred atmosphere is adorned with divine beauty.
Skyrocketing Flight Prices Amid Devotee Rush
With the massive influx of pilgrims, the demand for travel has surged, leading to soaring airfare prices. Here’s a look at current ticket prices for flights to Prayagraj:
- Delhi to Prayagraj: $220 (₹18,000)
- Kolkata to Prayagraj: $230 (₹19,000)
- Mumbai to Prayagraj: $300 (₹25,000)
- Bengaluru to Prayagraj: $325 (₹27,000)
- Chennai to Prayagraj: $340 (₹28,000)
Surveillance and Security Measures
To ensure a smooth and safe event, advanced drone surveillance has been deployed. Live footage of the massive crowds, moving in synchronized waves, presents a breathtaking yet challenging scenario for authorities.
Directives from DGP Prashant Kumar
With the Mauni Amavasya Snan approaching, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar has issued crucial security guidelines:
- District police chiefs surrounding Prayagraj have been instructed to monitor entry points and ensure smooth transit for devotees.
- Special focus has been placed on Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Kashi, where additional security personnel have been deployed.
- The DGP headquarters’ control room has been put on high alert, with live monitoring of key locations.
A Divine Experience Beyond Comparison
The Maha Kumbh of Prayagraj is not just an event; it is an experience that transcends time, faith, and geography. With millions braving the crowds to take a dip in the sacred waters, this grand festival continues to exemplify faith, devotion, and the unbreakable spiritual bond of humanity.
