Day 1 of Maha Kumbh Mela: Holy Dip, International Devotees, and Enhanced Security Measures
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As the Maha Kumbh Mela commenced today in Prayagraj, several notable events and developments have unfolded:
Devotee Participation: Thousands of devotees have taken the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, marking the beginning of the 45-day festival.
International Attendance: Pilgrims from around the world are attending the festival. A devotee from Barcelona, Spain, expressed, "I had heard for a long time about this festival, and I always wanted to come at least once in my life... to be here is wonderful."
Security Measures: The Uttar Pradesh Police have deployed a special Horse Squad to patrol the Sangam area, ensuring the safety of the large crowds. Additionally, a floating police chowki has been constructed to assist devotees during the festival.
Infrastructure Enhancements: The state government has initiated 549 projects, focusing on infrastructure development and sanitation, with a budget of ₹6,990 crore to accommodate the estimated 400 million visitors.
Cultural Significance: This year's Maha Kumbh Mela is particularly significant due to a rare celestial alignment of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, an occurrence that happens once every 144 years, adding to the festival's spiritual importance.
