Lakhs of worshippers have reached Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj today for the second 'Shahi Snan' or auspicious dip on 'Mauni Amavasya'. As per traditions, today is the most important of all the holy bathing days at the Kumbh 2019. As per media reports, crowd is escalating by the hour. From the railway station to the temporary town of Kumbh, there is constant movement of followers towards the bathing ghats.
Over 3 crore pilgrims are expected for 'Mauni Amavasya' at the Kumbh, which is a new moon day in the Hindu calendar of Magha month. Further, it assumes greater importance if it falls on a ‘Monday’, the case this year. It is believed that on this day, sage Rishabh Dev ended his long vow of silence and took bath in the holy waters.
Security across has been increased in Kumbh for 'Mauni Amavasya'. The entire region has been divided into 10 zones & 25 sectors, being observed by an Additional Superintendent of Police level officer. 40 police stations along with several fire stations have been set up in the Kumbh to deal with any emergency.
43 fire stations, 15 sub-fire stations, 40 fire watchtowers and 96 control watchtowers have been established for today, informed an UP home department official. Moreover, the entire area is under surveillance of 440 CCTV cameras. The official said an Integrated Command Control Centre and 12 wireless grids have been established for close coordination and prompt communication.
Entries of vehicles have also been limited in the 32,000-acre Kumbh city. The administration has arranged over 500 shuttle buses for the devotees to travel from Prayagraj to the Sangam for the holy dip.
The Kumbh will witness a total of 3 'Shahi Snans' - the 1st took place on Makar Sankranti on 15th January, the second is on 4th February on Mauni Amavasya and the last will be on 10th February i.e. Basant Panchmi. The Kumbh Mela will end on 4th March.
