In a bid to manage the massive influx of devotees for the special bathing event on Mahashivratri, authorities have declared the Maha Kumbh Mela area in Prayagraj a no-vehicle zone starting from 4 PM on Tuesday.
The entire city will follow suit at 6 PM. These measures aim to facilitate smooth movement of the enormous crowds expected on this concluding bathing date of the festival.
An official statement confirmed that vehicles transporting essential goods, such as milk, vegetables, and medicines, as well as emergency and government vehicles, will be exempt from these restrictions.
The local administration has urged visitors to comply with these guidelines to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.
Devotees are advised to bathe at specific ghats based on their route of entry. For those arriving via Dakshini Jhunsi, Arail Ghat is designated for bathing, while those coming from Uttari Jhunsi should use Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat. Entrants from Pande Kshetra are directed to several ghats, including Bharadwaj and Nagavasuki. Visitors from the Arail sector are also guided to Arail Ghat.
In addition, devotees are encouraged to offer prayers at nearby Shiva temples to avoid congestion at major pilgrimage sites. Efforts to manage the crowds include controlling access via pontoon bridges based on density.
This year’s Maha Kumbh Mela, held after a 12-year interval, began on January 13 and concludes on February 26, coinciding with Mahashivratri. The Uttar Pradesh government reports a staggering footfall of over 63 crore pilgrims and visitors so far.
The Mela Police Administration has called for cooperation from all attending the religious gathering, urging them to adhere to the stipulated instructions and assist in maintaining order.