Maha Kumbh in the Rearview: Prayagraj Transforms From a Sea of Devotees to Quiet Streets-Pics

In the aftermath of the event, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a 15-day special cleanliness drive to restore the area

The grand Maha Kumbh Mela, a sacred 45-day event held every 144 years, concluded earlier this week, leaving Prayagraj in a phase of transition. The city, which saw an overwhelming footfall of over 60 crore devotees from across the globe, is now beginning to regain its usual rhythm.

As the festivities wind down, the once bustling Mela grounds are wearing a deserted look. The thousands of tents erected for pilgrims have been dismantled, vehicular movement has resumed in the area, and only a handful of visitors now make their way to the Sangam compared to the massive crowds witnessed over the past two months.

Massive Cleanliness Drive Underway

In the aftermath of the event, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a 15-day special cleanliness drive to restore the area. The campaign, launched on Friday, aims to clean the Sangam ghats, roads, and both temporary and permanent infrastructure at the Mela site.

Spearheading the initiative is Special Officer Akanksha Rana, who is working alongside ‘Swachhata Mitras’ and ‘Ganga Sewa Doots’ to ensure the site is returned to its original state. According to state officials, all waste generated during the festival is being systematically collected, processed, and disposed of at the Baswar plant in Naini.
Additionally, temporary pipelines laid by the Urban and Rural Water Corporation, streetlights installed by the electricity department, and tents and pavilions used by seers and Kalpvasis are being dismantled as part of the post-event clean-up. Over 1.5 lakh temporary toilets set up for the festival will also be removed in the coming days.

Maha Kumbh’s Record-Breaking Feats

Beyond its spiritual significance, Maha Kumbh Mela set several Guinness World Records. These included the largest simultaneous river clean-up, the highest number of volunteers participating in a single-site cleanliness drive, and the most participants creating handprint paintings within an eight-hour span.

Many dignitaries and prominent personalities attended the event. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a holy dip at the Sangam, while Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, visited on the first day but was unable to participate in the ritual due to allergies. International celebrities like Coldplay’s Chris Martin and actor Dakota Johnson also made their way to Prayagraj, taking a dip at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati.

Sacred Rotating Tradition

Maha Kumbh Mela is one of India’s largest religious gatherings and rotates among four holy sites—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Each of these locations, situated along revered rivers such as the Ganges, Godavari, and Shipra, plays host to the festival once every 12 years, with the grand Maha Kumbh occurring once every 144 years in Prayagraj.

Stampede and Accidents

Despite meticulous planning, the event saw unfortunate incidents. On January 29, a tragic stampede occurred near the Sangam area as thousands of devotees rushed to take a dip on Mauni Amavasya, an auspicious day in Hinduism. The chaos resulted in at least 30 deaths and left over 60 people injured. The incident has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties holding the ruling BJP government accountable and demanding a comprehensive list of casualties.

Additionally, multiple fire accidents were reported during the festival, causing minor injuries to a few individuals.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/maha-kumbh-in-the-rearview-prayagraj-transforms-from-a-sea-of-devotees-to-quiet-streets-pics-article-118663591