Maha Kumbh: Comprehensive Security Plans for Maha Shivratri Rituals

Synopsis

Prayagraj is seeing an unprecedented number of pilgrims for Maha Shivratri at Triveni Sangam, with extensive security measures in place for the Maha Kumbh finale. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is overseeing the arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for the millions attending this sacred event.

Key Takeaways

Unprecedented number of pilgrims in Prayagraj.
Extensive security around Shiva temples.
Monitoring by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Record participation in Maha Kumbh.
Well-coordinated crowd management ensured smooth operations.

Prayagraj, Feb 26 (NationPress) Prayagraj is experiencing a remarkable influx of pilgrims during the celebration of Maha Shivratri, with thousands converging at the Triveni Sangam for the final sacred dip that signifies the end of the Maha Kumbh.

Extensive security precautions have been implemented, especially around major Lord Shiva temples, to accommodate the tremendous number of devotees, as confirmed by officials.

Earlier today, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath oversaw the Maha Kumbh preparations from the control room in Gorakhpur, ensuring seamless operations amid the arrival of millions for this revered ritual at the Sangam.

Bhanu Bhaskar, ADG Prayagraj, informed IANS, "Since morning, large crowds have been gathering at the ghats. So far, 41 lakh people have taken a dip. The total number of visitors has reached 64.77 crores. A significant police presence has been deployed at all Shivalayas across the city, in addition to the Sangam."

"The total turnout has crossed 64 crore. Our traditional exit route goes from Triveni via Mahavir Ho, Akshay Bhatt Ho, and then back to Triveni, but additional exit routes are also being utilized. Every Shiva temple has designated entry and exit routes, and both are in use. Our security deployment today is focused on Shivalayas to ensure smooth darshan and worship," he added.

Vaibhav Krishna, DIG Maha Kumbh, emphasized the well-coordinated crowd management, stating, "On the occasion of Shivratri, devotees are arriving in large numbers, and our force is fully prepared. The movement of the crowd is well maintained, there are no choke points, traffic is flowing smoothly, and bathing at all the ghats is proceeding without disruption."

"There is no VIP movement today, and no mechanized boats are allowed at the ghats. Only manually operated paddle boats are in operation. All Shiva temples are open, and police have been deployed to ensure orderly water offerings and crowd control," he added.

The Maha Kumbh has set a record with over 64 crore devotees participating in the holy dip, making it the largest gathering in human history.

Breaking down the numbers, 1.70 crore devotees took a dip on Paush Purnima, 3.50 crore on Makar Sankranti, 7.64 crore on Mauni Amavasya, 2.57 crore on Basant Panchami, and 2.04 crore on Magh Purnima during the event.

Despite the enormous turnout, the Uttar Pradesh government, under the continuous supervision of CM Yogi Adityanath, has ensured the smooth execution of the event. Pilgrims have widely praised the well-organized arrangements, highlighting the government's efficient handling of this historic gathering.