India News
The Maha Kumbh Mela, hailed as the largest gathering on Earth, commenced with great splendor today. On the auspicious occasion of Pushya Purnima, Hindus believe that taking a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam washes away all sins.
By 9:30 AM, over 6 million devotees had performed the holy ritual, and by evening, the count is expected to cross 15 million. Stretching across a 12-kilometer bathing area, arrangements have been meticulously made for pilgrims at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Spanning 45 days, the Kumbh Mela is set to witness massive crowds. To manage the influx, all vehicles are stopped 10 kilometers away from the site, and pilgrims are required to walk the remaining distance from bus stands and railway stations to the Sangam.
Not just Indians, but thousands of international visitors from countries like Russia, Brazil, and Britain have already arrived to partake in this spiritual event.
For the first time, floating jetties made of HDPE plastic have been installed for the convenience of devotees. These jetties allow pilgrims to walk a short distance into the river and perform their rituals. Additionally, changing rooms, including VIP cabins, have been set up on the jetties.
This year’s Kumbh Mela holds a special significance, according to scholars, as it coincides with rare planetary alignments that occur once in 144 years. Helicopter rides have also been introduced, offering breathtaking aerial views of the sprawling event. Each ride lasts 7-8 minutes, providing a unique perspective of the grandeur below.
Officials estimate that over 400 million pilgrims will visit and bathe during the 45-day event, which concludes on February 26.
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