Allahabad, Dec 3 (IANS) End December will see the annual Hindu festival of Magh Mela unfold in Allahabad and massive preparations are on for the event that is expected to attract at least 20 million people for holy dips.
“Tight security arrangements would be made for the religious gathering. Over 3,000 policemen equipped with latest security gadgets would be deployed in and around the mela area,” V.K. Mishra, superintendent of police (trans-Yamuna), told reporters.

“Police forces from neighbouring districts would also be deputed for providing adequate security in the area,” he added.

Magh Mela’s main ritual involves taking a holy dip at Sangam - the holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers - on auspicious dates. The important bathing dates for the Mela are spread over a period of 45 days.

The district authorities have directed the civic agencies, Jal Sansthan, Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Nigam and others to provide quality infrastructure to pilgrims and complete preparations for the Mela by Dec 15, officials said.

While the construction of four bridges on the river Ganga is underway, 25,000 chequered plates would be laid at the Mela site spread over 1,400 bighas. For providing drinking water, 15 pumping stations would be set up for providing drinking water and 150-km pipelines would be laid in the Mela.

The health department has been entrusted with the task of setting up nearly 7,500 toilets and 7,000 electricity poles would be erected at the site for power supply, which would be regulated by 11 sub-stations, they added.

The Mela is likely to draw nearly 20 million devotees during the six main religious bathing days. The first bathing day is on the occasion of Paush Purnima Dec 31.

It is believed that taking a holy dip in Sangam during Hindu month of Magh strengthens life and makes it disease free. The Magh Mela will end Feb 12 on Mahashivratri.

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