Source: www.thaindian.com
LUCKNOW, INDIA, December 19, 2009: Around 20 million devotees are expected during the more than month-long Magh Mela that begins December 31 in Allahabad, but civic amenities to handle such a massive crowd, including hospitals, are not ready yet. The work by civic agencies was to be completed by December 15. However, the basic infrastructure at the site of the Sangam, the holy confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, remains dismal.
“If you go as per the pace of arrangements at the site, it will take another seven or eight days for the civic agencies to improve the poor condition of roads, tubewells, provide electricity to the entire mela area of approximately 5,607 acres and complete the work for the construction of four pontoon bridges on the Ganga river,” an official pointed out. Instructions to expedite the work and complete it have been issued, said another official.
Magh Mela’s main ritual involves taking a holy dip at Sangam on auspicious dates. The important bathing dates for the Mela are spread over a period of 45 days. The first bathing day is on the occasion of Paush Purnima December 31. It is believed that taking a holy dip in Sangam during the Hindu month of Magh improves life and makes it disease free. The Magh Mela will end Feb 12 on Mahashivratri.