Mauni Amavasya: Five crore pilgrims take holy dip at Kumbh till 5 pm

DM Allahabad Suhas LY has ordered the closure of schools on Tuesday due to traffic restrictions.

Over 5 crore devotees took holy dip by 5 pm, claimed Kumbh mela authorities.

Heavy force of RPF, UP police, PAC are deployed at every shed before the devotees are released for boarding their trains.

Allahabad Junction witnesses heavy rush of devotees trying to get back to their home. Railways are running Kumbh special trains for the devotees.

About 1.30 crore devotees took the holy dip in the Ganga river till 11 AM

The day began as early at Prayagraj as 3 am for many devotees who were seen making a beeline for the Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati -- on foot as entry of vehicles was restricted in the vicinity of Kumbh Nagari, the sprawling 32000-hectare township that has come up on the banks of the river.

Pilgrims arriving at Kumbh

A sea of devotees are expected to congregate on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj

Devotees throng Kumbh mela

Due to huge rush at railway stations and bus stands, mela police divert devotees towards CMP crossing to control crowd

Devotees at the Kumbh

Basically, 'Mauni Amavasya' is the new moon day of the Magha month, which falls in late January or early February. It assumes greater significance if it falls on a Monday during the Kumbh, which happens to be the case this time.

The grand religious event, which started on January 15 on the occasion of Makar Sakranti, is expecting participation of over three crore pilgrims for 'Mauni Amavasya'.

According to the administration, over 500 shuttle buses have been deployed on various routes for easier access to the pilgrims.

The entire area is under surveillance of 440 CCTV cameras. For close coordination and prompt communication, an Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) and 12 wireless grids have been established, the official said.

Forty-three fire stations, 15 sub-fire stations, 40 fire watchtowers and 96 control watchtowers have been set up for the day, said a home department official.

Mauni Amavasya would be the third royal bath since the start of the Kumbh fair on January 15.

40 police stations and 58 police outposts have been set up for the royal bath, which is expected to see participation of thousands of people.

Security has been tightened in Kumbh ahead of the 'Mauni Amavasya' royal bath