After a brief lull following the Mauni Amavasya stampede-like chaos, the Kumbh Mela is bracing for another massive influx of devotees as the Vasant Panchami Amrit Snan approaches on Monday. Authorities estimate that over four crore pilgrims will take the holy dip, and by Saturday evening, roads leading to Sangam were already swelling with crowds. With an extended weekend and a public holiday, officials expect a fresh surge of visitors starting Sunday. In response, security has been tightened, crowd management measures reinforced, and medical services strengthened to prevent any stampede-like situations and ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26. The remaining significant 'snan' dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). Earlier two were on January 14 – Makar Sankranti and January 29 – Mauni Amavasya.
The city has been witnessing a continuous influx of pilgrims since January 26, with the Mouni Amavasya Snan setting new records as nearly eight crore devotees took a dip in the Ganga. While the following days saw a slight reduction in footfall, officials now anticipate another massive turnout.
Many pilgrims began their bathing rituals on Sunday itself, as the Panchami tithi starts that day. A local vendor near the ghats, Shyam Sundar Mishra, remarked, “The last few days were relatively quiet, but now the crowd is swelling again. We are prepared for a busy weekend.”
Stepped up security
In light of the tragic incidents during Mouni Amavasya Snan, the government has significantly stepped up security and crowd management efforts. The state administration has deployed senior officials, including former Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Ashish Goyal and former PDA Vice-Chairman and DM Bhanu Chandra Goswami, along with five special secretaries. On Saturday, five additional PCS-level officers were assigned to enhance supervision and coordination. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manoj Kumar Singh stated, “We have analyzed past crowd movements and made improvements to ensure better flow and safety. No devotee should face difficulties.”
28 High risk zones
To prevent overcrowding, authorities have identified 28 high-risk zones at Sangam, where police, RAF, and paramilitary personnel will be stationed. A senior official overseeing crowd management explained, “These 28 locations were the most congested during Mouni Amavasya and Makar Sankranti. Our teams will be stationed here to prevent stampedes and maintain order.”
Special measures have also been introduced at the ghats. Devotees will be guided to leave the bathing areas immediately after their dip to prevent congestion. Security forces will ensure pilgrims follow designated entry and exit routes. Amit Tiwari, a devotee from Kanpur, shared his experience from Mouni Amavasya, saying, “Last time, it was difficult to move because of the crowd. I’m glad to hear that authorities are making arrangements for better management.”
Additionally, the Akhara Marg will be closed to general foot traffic, ensuring a smooth movement of devotees. A police officer stationed at Sangam explained, “Our priority is to prevent bottlenecks. Pilgrims will be directed in a way that avoids crowding at any one spot.”
Despite the security concerns, pilgrims remain eager to take part in the holy ritual. Sunita Devi, who arrived from Bihar with her family, expressed her excitement, saying, “We couldn’t make it for Mouni Amavasya, but we are here now for Vasant Panchami. The arrangements seem better, and we feel safe.”
Medical facilities upgraded
With another massive gathering expected on Monday, health services in Mahakumbh Nagar have been further strengthened since Thursday.
A total of 23 hospitals, equipped with 360 beds, have been set up to provide medical care to pilgrims ahead of the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan on February 3.
A special team of senior medical officials, including Medical Nodal Officer Umakant Sanyal, Chief Medical Superintendent of Central Hospital Dr. Manoj Kaushik, Co-Nodal Medical Officer Dr. Ram Singh, and Mahakumbh Mela Nodal Medical Officer Dr. Gaurav Dubey, conducted an inspection to review ambulance deployment and emergency facilities, ensuring seamless healthcare services.
Dr. Gaurav Dubey stated, "The Central Hospital and other medical units are functioning efficiently, providing immediate medical attention to pilgrims, from minor injuries to critical cases." He added, "Medical teams are responding to emergency calls within minutes, and all ambulance and health services remain fully operational, even in challenging conditions."
With enhanced security, improved crowd management, and the unwavering devotion of millions, authorities are hopeful that the Vasant Panchami Snan will proceed smoothly, allowing pilgrims to fulfill their spiritual aspirations in a safe and organized manner.
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