The Argh Kumbha Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world held four times over a course of twelve years. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Vishnu dropped 4 ‘Amrita’ pots that is considered as the drink of immortality at four different places which ever since has been the venues for the Kumbha Mela. Kumbha Mela was recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in the December, 2017.
A brief about Kumbha Mela 2019
In 2019, the Kumbha Mela is to be held in Prayagraj, earlier named Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh from 15th January to 4th March. This year has brought a lot of changes in the in the religious ritual held with great joy and grandeur. The fair will cover an area of almost 45 kilometers, almost double of the 20 kilometers radius last time. Unlike previous years of Kumbha Mela, the pilgrims will be allowed to visit the ‘Akshay Vat’, a sacred Banyan tree in Hindu religion and Saraswati Koop, the assumed source of River Saraswati according to mythological beliefs.
The 55-day long religious gathering in Prayagraj to be held over a vast spread of 45 kilometers will bring together the heads of missions of different countries on the invitation by Ministry of External Affairs. On December 15, 2018, over 50 Heads of Missions (HOMs) visited the site of Kumbha Mela under a guided tour and observed the massive arrangements taking place for the world’s largest religious fair in Prayagraj.
Mythological Significance of Kumbha Mela
The four fixed venues of Kumbha is based on Hindu Mythology which states about the dropping of earthern pots filled with ‘Amrita’ (Drink of Immortality) by Lord Vishnu. Another story depicting mythological significance is about the Akshay Vats. It is believed that there are only four places all over the country where the sacred Banyan tree is found and it is here in these places that the Kumbha Mela is held over a span of 12 years. In Prayagraj (Allahabad), Akshay Vat present inside the Allahabad Fort, a monument now under Indian Army control, has the power to fulfill all the wishes of devotees coming from far off lands. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, get last minute flights to the nearest airport from Prayagraj.
All about arrangements made for Kumbha Mela 2019
In 2019, several things have been improvised keeping the comfort and security of the devotees in mind. A new road has been constructed to the tree to facilitate the journey of the pilgrims traveling from across the country.
Are you planning to visit the religious Kumbha Mela in Prayagrag with your family? If so, here is everything you should know about the Prayagraj Kumbha Mela 2019 – from food to accommodation to security. It is believed that no matter a devotee travels by road or gets business class flights booked to reach the religious festival, the faith and spirituality of each is beyond their status.
- You will get to savor the succulent delicacies at the mela which has almost 48 milk booths installed all across the area with more than 40 food stalls in the food court of the mela ground. Tired walking? Get refreshed by the delicious pure milk!
- Various facilities have been set up for the visitors keeping up with the Swacch Bharat Mission and maintaining the sanctity of Sangam (the point of confluence of the three holy rivers Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna).
- This year, the Kumbha Mela will be promoting environment-friendly practices such as use of terracotta utensils, jute bag, for the visitor’s stay in the Mela.
- For the convenience of the pilgrims, a helpline number has been issued which has already come into operation from January 1, 2019. You just need to dial 1920 and Ptayagraj Mela Authority will be at your service.
- In this year’s Kumbha Mela, every little thing is being noted and taken care of like the initiative of the Prayagraj Mela Authority accessing special facilities to the differently-abled devotees. Toilets, relaxation centers and volunteer attendants are assigned for them making it a peaceful and comfortable journey for them.
- The tanneries in the cities of Unnao and Kanpur have been ordered to be shut down from 15th December, 2019 to 15th March 2019 by the Uttar Pradesh Government. This initiative is taken to maintain cleanliness in the holy rivers. It is to ensure that the devotees get clean and pure water in the Kumbha Festival.
- Around 1,22,000 toilets have been constructed in the area of Kumbha Mela by the Prayagraj Mela Authority.
- The traffic police department of Prayagraj is also specially trained and is on alert to tackle the traffic circumstances that could arise due to the large religious event. Latest technologies are adapted to plan routes of the Mela.
- Over 1 lakh cleaning agents called Swachhagrahis are deployed to take care of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the Kumbha Mela.
We hope you can now travel to Prayagraj without any worries as the government has got you covered completely.
