Prayagraj: The much-anticipated Kumbh Mela 2019 at Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) commenced on January 15 and will go on till March 4. Hindu devotees from across the world have congregated at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna to take the holy dip. The Kumbh Mela is held every six years, while the Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years. This time around, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the Mela, that attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and the globe, is equipped with modern facilities and security measures.
Kumbh is regarded as the world's largest religious festival, which sees the participation of sadhus and devotees of all caste and creed. The Mela was included in the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2017. Devotees consider it auspicious to take a dip at the holy confluence of Ganga and Yamuna at the Kumbh Mela.
Prayagraj Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019: Important dates, how to reach, where to stay
Kumbh Mela 2019: All you need to know
1 .Around 12 crores devotees and tourists are expected to visit Prayagraj during the Kumbh. The state government has ensured that massive security arrangements were in place to tackle any kind of untoward situation.
2. All educational institutions, up to class 12, have been ordered to stay closed for three days from January 14 to 16, in view of the large crowds in the city due to Kumbh. The Prayagraj district administration has also advised degree colleges to remain closed to avoid causing inconvenience to college students.
3. Makeshift bus stations have been built at all seven entry points of Prayagraj town. The administration has also restricted the entry of buses into the city. Around 6,000 buses have been deployed by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to ferry pilgrims.
4. Indian Railways has introduced special trains from various parts of the state and the country to facilitate easier travel for pilgrims. Many of the long route trains have been given extra stoppage at Allahabad junction and other railway stations located in Prayagraj district.
5. Air India announced new flights to Prayagraj from Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. The new flights will be operational from January 13 to March 30. Other air services have also provided for air connectivity from several major cities to Prayagraj, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Bhopal, Dehradun, Indore, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow.