Mahakumbh mela: Millions take a dip at Sangam

[email protected] (Naeem Siddeeq)
January 15, 2013
Lucknow, Jan 15: More than 10 million devotees from across the world took a holy dip in the sacred waters of “sangam” (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers) at Allahabad amid tight security as the Mahakumbh mela began at Allahabad on Monday.

The first “shahi snan” (“royal baths” at the sangam by saints and sadhus of the 13 akharas) began at 5 am in the morning with the “naga sadhus” leading the way.mela

The near naked and ash smeared naga sadhus blew conch shells and danced as they moved towards the sangam bank.  The “Mahanirvani” and “Atal” akharas were the first to take a holy dip followed by the “Niranjani” and “Anand” akharas. Then, other akharas took turns to take a bath in the holy waters.

Devotees braved the chilly weather conditions to take a holy dip at the 18 “ghats” (banks) along the sangam. Crowds started gathering at the sangam area since Sunday evening.  Security personnel had a tough time controlling the surging devotees who thronged the sangam banks at dawn.

At one point, the situation threatened to go out of control when the crowds stayed on the banks, blocking the way for the other devotees. Senior police officials reached the spot and made the crowd to leave the bank to pave way for the incoming devotees.

“By evening, an estimated 10 million devotees had taken bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti,” officials said, adding that the number devotees from abroad was also formidable.

A battery of mediapersons, both national and international, captured the bathing by the naga sadhus. The administration had made special arrangements for the mediapersons to cover the congregation.

The Mahakumbh, held every 12 years, is a 55-day event during which as many as six shahi snans will take place. The next  royal bath will take place on “Mauni Amavasya” (Februrary 10) followed by “Basant Panchami” (Februrary 15).

The other important days for the Maha Kumbh are “Pauash Purnima” (January 27), “Maghi Purinma” (February 25) and “Maha Shivratri” (March 10).

Tight security arrangements have been made keeping in view the threat perception from terrorists.

According to sources in the state Home Department, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has alerted the police on possible terrorist threat to the mela. Teams from the National Disaster Management Authority, bomb disposal and anti-sabotage squads have also been deployed.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arun Kumar said 30 police stations and 40 outposts have been set up at the place and they are being manned by 50 inspectors, 550 sub-inspectors, 450 head constables and 5,800 constables.

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News Nerwork
June 7,2020

New Delhi, Jun 7: Rain lashed some parts of the Delhi-NCR on Sunday morning.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted partly cloudy sky with possibility of development of thunder lightning for three days from June 10 onwards with minimum and maximum temperature will hover around 29° Celcius and 42° Celcius respectively.

Strong surface winds during day time have been predicted for today by IMD.

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News Network
March 18,2020

Muzaffarpur, Mar 18: Prisoners in the central jail here are working overtime to produce facemasks to prevent the deadly COVID-19 striking. In addition to providing protection to fellow inmates and prison staff, the produce will be shared with nine district and sub jails falling under Muzaffarpur Central Prison as well, Deputy Superintendent of the jail Sunil Kumar Maurya said. From supplications at places of worship to hectic activities at the biggest hospital, this north Bihar district is witnessing invocation of all powers, human and otherwise, to prevent novel coronavirus hitting them.

Although nobody has so far tested positive for the dreaded virus in Bihar, where the state government has imposed a semi-lockdown as a preventive measure, Muzaffarpur which hit the headlines last year for losing close to 200 children to an outbreak of brain fever seems determined not to fall prey to yet another virulent affliction.

On making of facemasks by about 50 prisoners, the Deputy Superintendent of the jail said, "We have had a tradition of producing fabric at the Muzaffarpur Central Jail. An idea was floated why not use the skills acquired for producing masks which are in great demand but in short supply.

The local administration seems impressed with the endeavour of the social outcasts to rise to a global challenge.

"It is a welcome step. Despite all precautions, we never know who is going to catch the infection at which place. The efforts by prisoners to protect themselves and the staff manning their premises is laudable. "Full assistance will be provided to Central Jail authorities in supply of the masks to other prisons," Sub Divisional Magistrate (East) Kundan Kumar said.

A conservative town inhabited by a deeply religious citizenry, Muzaffarpur is also witnessing prayer congregations at temples and mosques in keeping with the tradition here of people of all faiths coming together when faced with a major challenge.

The Garib Nath temple, a renowned shrine devoted to Lord Shiva which attracts devotees from far and wide, is witness to the power of faith trumping the biggest fears as the footfall seems to have increased since the outbreak.

The temples mahant Vinay Pathak says, "faith can move mountains. People come here in search of strength to face a crisis which has caused worldwide scare. We advise the visitors to conduct regular 'havans' at their houses just like we have been performing here. "The smoke emitted by burning of purified offerings cleanses the air and, who knows, could be an antidote as well," Pathak added.

Chanting of 'Mahamrityunjay mantra', which the faith believe to be potent enough to dispel illness and untimely death, is taking place round the clock at the shrine in addition to 'havans', the mahant said.

Just a few yards away stands the Chhata Chowk mosque where large number of devotees appear in skull-caps to offer namaz.

"It is a pandemic threatening to engulf the entire world and dua (prayers) are needed as much as dawa (medicines). May God, who is one, listen to the common wish expressed by humanity in myriad ways," says Imtiaz Ahmed, a devout local resident.

Meanwhile, the health authorities are busy with their own efforts, not leaving prevention and cure to divine intervention.

District Medical Officer Shailesh Kumar Singh says a total of 42 people here who have come from abroad, have been tested but their results have been negative.

"Nonetheless, a five-bed special ward has been set up at the Sadar Hospital, manned by medical staff armed with a special kit comprising medicines and other logistics required for primary care of those with suspected symptoms," he said.

The SKMCH referral hospital, which bore the brunt of last years brain fever epidemic accounting for over 120 deaths is fully geared up to meet the latest challenge.

SKMCH superintendent Sunil Shahi says "we have a 30- ward insulation ward ready. Samples of patients with suspected symptoms are being routinely sent to RMRI, Patna. We appeal to all to remain alert, but avoid panic."

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Agencies
March 22,2020

New Delhi, Mar 22: The central government on Sunday decided to suspend all metro train services across the country till March 31 in view of coronavirus outbreak.

In a message to managing directors of all metro train corporations, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra said this is being done in continuation of suspending metro services during 'Janta Curfew'.

"In view of the current global pandemic of this Corona Virus & for containing its further spread through inter-personal proximity, it has been decided to close down metro rail services on all operational networks across the country till 31 March 2020," Mishra tweeted.

In another tweet, he said by the act of social distancing, people can protect themselves and their dear ones, and win the fight against COVID-19.

India reported three more coronavirus deaths on Sunday, including the first casualty from Bihar, taking the toll to seven and the number of COVID-19 cases rose to 341, officials said.

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