Prayagraj. After the grand event of Mahakumbh held here, the first Magh Mela has formally started. On this holy festival of faith and devotion, devotees from different corners of the country have gathered to take a dip in the Triveni Sangam. The crowd on the very first day of the fair can be gauged from the fact that by 8 o’clock in the morning, about 6.5 lakh devotees had taken a holy bath in the Ganga. Saints-Mahatmas and prominent spiritual gurus of various Akharas are reaching the Sangam banks with their followers. In the same sequence, Mahamandaleshwar Kalyani Nand Giri of Kinnar Akhara also took bath with his disciples. Lakhs of Kalpavasis and Sannyasi have already camped on the sands of Sangam, where they will remain engrossed in rigorous chanting, penance and meditation for a month. According to administrative estimates, around 15 lakh people have reached the area in the initial phase of the fair itself.

This year, Magh Mela has been made modern and convenient on the lines of Mahakumbh. For the first time, a unique logo of this fair has been released, which shows its distinct identity. For easy movement of devotees, the administration has started bike service in collaboration with private companies, so that people will be able to easily reach the nearest point of Sangam. Taking advantage of technology, QR codes have been installed on electric poles. If any devotee faces any issue, they can scan it and immediately lodge a complaint, which is claimed to be prompt action. Also, coordination has been done with mobile companies to strengthen digital connectivity in the fair so that the concept of a digital fair can be realized.

To promote tourism and adventure, this time activities like helicopter service and paragliding will also be the center of attraction. In addition, renowned artists have been invited for cultural evenings. The administration has made impenetrable arrangements on the security front. The entire fair area is being monitored through AI (Artificial Intelligence) based CCTV cameras. A special cordon of 10 rounds has been prepared for security, which will be implemented according to time and crowd pressure.

Special security arrangements have been made at sensitive places like Mahavir and Akshayvat Corridor. Every activity is being closely monitored through water police, watch towers and control rooms. Prayagraj Commissionerate has deployed special teams for traffic management so that traffic jams do not arise in the city and fair area. A series of stories, bhajans and sermons have also started in the camps of saints, due to which the entire sand seems drenched with spiritual energy.