Prayagraj: Over 1.5 crore devotees took the holy dip at the Sangam - the confluence of holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati river - to attain salvation on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya during the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.
As a mark of respect, the Yogi Adityanath government showered flower petals from a helicopter, increasing the enthusiasm among the devotees. To ensure that the auspicious tradition of a month-long 'Magh Mela' and holy bathing at the Sangam takes place smoothly, the Yogi-led state government made all efforts by providing strict security amidst hygienic surroundings to all the devotees.
More than 12 bathing banks were made on the bank of Sangam and the devotees were comfortably bathing to gain virtue. In order to manage the organisation of this Magh Mela, which extends over an area of 700 hectares, as many as 194 magistrates and 98 sector officers were deployed.Due to the continuous monitoring of Magh Mela by CM Yogi, the enthusiasm of the devotees was visible despite the severe cold and poor weather conditions.
Magh Mela officer Arvind Singh Chauhan said, "Due to the special crowd management during Mauni Amavasya, more than 1.5 crore devotees had conveniently taken a holy dip in the Sangam by noon. This number is expected to exceed two crore by the evening."
On the directions of CM Yogi, flower petals were showered on the devotees by helicopter, which was highly appreciated by the pilgrims as it honored the divine festival. The state government has ensured all arrangements, including security and convenience of the devotees who visit and stay on the Ghats of Sangam for the month-long Kalpvas during the Magh Mela.