Prayagraj is gearing up for one of the grandest spectacles of the ongoing Magh Mela as the fourth holy bathing festival on Basant Panchami approaches on January 23. With the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati drawing millions, authorities anticipate a staggering 3.5 crore devotees taking the sacred dip over the Basant Panchami and Achala Saptami period, amplified by the weekend crowds.
Mela administration has left no stone unturned in preparations. Twenty-four ghats stretching 3.5 kilometers along the riverbanks stand ready, meticulously cleaned and equipped with crystal-clear waters. Crowd management strategies include dedicated pontoon bridges for smooth flow: bridges 3, 5, and 7 for movement from Parade to Jhunsi, and 4 and 6 for the return journey. Emergency bridges 1 and 2 will host heavy police deployment.
Traffic Superintendent Neeraj Pandey outlined a comprehensive plan prioritizing devotee safety. Heavy and light vehicles, barring essential Mela transport, will be diverted at district borders. Crucially, the new Yamuna bridge shuts on January 23, funneling all traffic through the old bridge to prevent chaos.
Astrologers note the Panchami tithi begins Thursday night at 2:28 AM, lasting until January 23 night 1:56 AM, ideal for holy dips, yellow grain donations, and yellow cloth offerings. Achala Saptami on January 25, also known as Putra or Bhanu Saptami, upholds the tradition of community feasts.
Mela officer Rishiraj highlighted this as the largest turnout post-Mouni Amavasya. ‘From Basant Panchami to Achala Saptami, over 3.5 crore faithful are expected to immerse in Triveni Sangam,’ he said. Basic amenities from sanitation to security ensure a seamless pilgrimage, underscoring Prayagraj’s timeless spiritual allure.