Massive Influx of Devotees to Prayagraj for Mauni Amavasya Celebrations

Varanasi, Jan 28 (NationPress) As the second Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh draws near on Mauni Amavasya, an incredible wave of pilgrims is making their way to Prayagraj from every part of the nation.

At the Varanasi Cantt station, a pivotal transit point for devotees, the numbers have surged to an extraordinary level. In response, the railway administration has introduced eight special trains to handle the increasing crowd, yet it appears that passengers are boarding every possible train as the numbers keep climbing.

In a statement to IANS, Lal Ji Chaudhary, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) at Varanasi Cantt, mentioned, "We anticipate an even larger crowd on Wednesday. Special trains are operational, and extra services are available to facilitate smooth travel. Our team is actively monitoring every detail. The flow of passengers is steadily increasing, and we’re committed to accommodating everyone effectively."

Travelers have shared their amazement at the scale of this gathering. Krishna Kumar, one of the devotees, noted, “We’re en route to Prayagraj on Wednesday for the Maha Kumbh bath. Tomorrow is the Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya, and the crowd here at Varanasi station is enormous, easily around one lakh people. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's predictions about the surge in devotees are evidently coming true. This is a remarkable moment for the revival of Sanatan Dharma.”

Bhim Thakur, another devotee, shared, "I’ve been waiting here for five to six hours. The crowd is larger than expected, and the energy at the station is electric. It’s all driven by faith, and participating in this feels extraordinary."

Anand Mohan Jha, another traveler, contemplated the vast sea of people, “I’ve never encountered such a colossal crowd before. It’s overwhelming, yet with such profound faith, I find the strength to endure. Witnessing this only strengthens my determination to reach Prayagraj for the sacred dip. It’s an unforgettable experience.”

Mauni Amavasya, regarded as one of the most spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar, is marked by deep devotion, particularly in northern India. It is a day dedicated to profound spiritual practices, introspection, and renewal. During the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, this day stands as a pinnacle, with millions gathering for a sacred dip in the River Ganges—a ritual believed to provide spiritual cleansing and enlightenment. Celebrated under various names across the nation, such as ‘Chollangi Amavasya’ in Andhra Pradesh and ‘Darsh Amavasya’ in other areas, this year’s Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh is set to occur on January 29, 2025, marking yet another significant moment in this revered event.