– By Sagar Garud, correspondent, Prayagraj

Prayagraj – With the Maha Kumbha Mela taking place after 144 years, crores of devotees from across India and abroad are arriving daily for the Amrit Snan. Accommodation in the Kumbha Mela area’s tents is completely occupied. Many devotees who could not find lodging in hotels, Dharmashalas, or other facilities are sleeping on the roads in the Kumbha Mela area, on main city roads, inner streets, inside parked vehicles, in roadside parks, and under shop sheds after closing hours. Despite the severe cold and lack of proper shelter, the unwavering faith of these devotees remains firm.

1. Devotees staying in roadside parks have brought plastic sheets, bedding, and blankets to sleep on the ground.
2. Carrying essential supplies such as grains, tea powder, and sugar, they have set up makeshift stoves to prepare meals for their families.
3. The administration has deployed sanitation workers for cleaning; however, no garbage bins or large waste bags have been placed. As a result, devotees are disposing of the waste wherever they can.

4. Due to the overwhelming number of devotees, public toilets are inadequate. Many are resorting to using inner streets for defecation, causing foul odour in those areas. (The administration should have arranged for mobile toilets to address this issue – Editor)