Prayagraj – Following the tragic incident at Triveni Sangam, the administration imposed a ban on bathing at all ghats within the Kumbha Kshetra, including Triveni Sangam. Akhadas that were set to proceed to Triveni Sangam in the morning were instructed to remain at their respective locations. Traditionally, these akhadas prepare and decorate their chariots the night before their ceremonial procession. However, at 7:30 a.m., restricted bathing was permitted for devotees at select banks of the Ganga River, excluding Triveni Sangam.
Lakhs of devotees waited overnight for a Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam
On the night of January 28th, lakhs of devotees gathered along Sangam Marg, eagerly awaiting their turn to take a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam in the morning. Many spent the night sleeping in groups along the roadside, while others stood patiently in long queues. The crowd stretched for nearly 2 km, with devotees enduring the night’s chill in unwavering faith, determined to partake in the holy ritual at the break of dawn.
Sadhus also prevented from bathing after the tragedy
Since morning, Sadhus from various akhadas had been arriving at Triveni Sangam for the sacred bath. However, due to the tragic incident, they too were stopped from proceeding. At this time, one of the sadhus pleaded with the Police, saying, “Lakhs of devotees have been waiting for this holy bath. If not at Sangam, at least allow them to bathe at other ghats.” However, the Police firmly stated that bathing had been suspended at all ghats.
Understanding the devotees’ deep devotion, the Sadhu then requested a bottle of Ganga water. Upon receiving it from the Police, he sprinkled the sacred water over the gathered devotees, offering prayers to Mother Ganga and seeking her blessings from afar.
The extraordinary patience of devotees was truly admirable
Lakhs of devotees had gathered at Triveni Sangam, yet the number of Police personnel present was relatively small. To prevent access, the authorities had set up barricades along the Sangam route, stopping devotees from reaching the sacred Sangam. Despite having waited through the night for their holy bath, the devotees displayed remarkable patience and discipline, fully cooperating with the Police. Their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of adversity are truly commendable.
Scenes from the Kumbha Mela: Devotion, Discipline and Faith
1. Many devotees proceeded toward their sacred bath, chanting powerful slogans such as ‘Shriram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’, ‘Har Har Mahadev’, and ‘Ganga Mata Ki Jai’, filling the air with Divine energy.
2. Some devotees engaged in quiet prayer, chanting with malas in hand, while others joined in collective recitations, deepening the spiritual atmosphere.
3. As the revered Saints and Naga Sadhus passed along the path, numerous devotees reverently applied the dust from the road onto their foreheads, considering it a sacred blessing.
4. Many Naga Sadhus made their way to the bathing site, carrying traditional weapons such as swords, parashu (battle axes), maces, and tridents, symbolizing their warrior ascetic heritage.
5. Ambulances and firefighting vehicles moved throughout the Kumbha Kshetra, ensuring safety and preparedness for any emergency.
6. Mounted Police officers patrolled the Triveni Sangam, skilfully managing the massive crowd while maintaining order.
7. Devotees without overnight accommodations sought shelter in the humble huts of the Naga Sadhus along the roadside, finding solace in the warmth of the spiritual community.
8. Women devotees outnumbered men in the gathering, and many elderly pilgrims, driven by unwavering faith, arrived in the early morning on makeshift saddles, determined to take their holy dip.