Fifth bathing festival of Prayagraj Kumbh on Feb.19

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The 5th bathing festival of Maghi Purnima at Prayagraj Kumbh will take place on February 19, 2019. A large number of devotees and tourists are continuously reaching the Kumbh for taking holy dip on the occasion. Traffic restrictions have been imposed in the district in view of heavy rush of pilgrims. Entry of heavy vehicles has been restricted into the district and all types of vehicles including pass holders are banned to enter the Mela. Only vehicles related to essential services, media and administration are allowed.

With the bathing of Maghi Purnima, Kalpvasees will return to their home. They will be second largest contingent of the Kumbh leaving the Mela prior to Mahashivratri. Mela administration has developed 40 bathing ghats spread over 8 km for devotees. Elaborate security arrangements are in place.

Additional central para military forces are deployed in view of huge rush on the occasion. Two bridges over rivers Ganga and Yamuna are closed for traffic and only old bridge on Yamuna is open for traffic. Additional watch towers have been erected with public address system to regulate the rush of devotees. Mela administration has said that photography will not be allowed within the 100 feet proximity of bathing ghats as per order of Allahabad High court. The court has also directed that photos of bathing women will not be allowed to be published. Educational Institutions including higher education at Prayagraj have been closed for three days from February 18, 2019.

Mela administration has also deployed magistrates and police officers at sensitive places to avoid congregation of devotees at one place in the Mela area, according to a PIB release.