Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh Mela area will be completely closed to vehicular movement from 4 PM on Tuesday, with restrictions extending to the entire city from 6 PM onwards. The decision comes in anticipation of an overwhelming influx of devotees on February 26, coinciding with the last special bathing date of the grand religious event and the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
Authorities have enforced these stringent traffic regulations to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims and prevent congestion in the city, which has been witnessing record-breaking crowds over the past several weeks. With millions of devotees expected to participate in the final snan of the Maha Kumbh Mela, officials have urged strict adherence to the issued guidelines. While all general vehicular movement will be restricted, essential services, including the transportation of milk, vegetables, medicines, fuel, and emergency vehicles, will be allowed. Government personnel such as doctors, police officers, and administrative staff will also be exempted from these restrictions.
The administration has outlined specific bathing zones for devotees based on their entry routes to manage the enormous crowd efficiently. Pilgrims arriving from the Dakshini Jhunsi route will be directed to Arail Ghat, while those from the Uttari Jhunsi route must proceed towards Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat. Visitors entering from Pande Kshetra have been advised to use Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, Mori Ghat, Kali Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Hanuman Ghat. Devotees coming via the Arail sector should utilize Arail Ghat for their sacred dip. Authorities have emphasized that pilgrims should refrain from seeking out major pilgrimage centers and instead perform their rituals at the nearest designated ghats to avoid overcrowding and ensure a seamless bathing experience.
With the Maha Kumbh Mela culminating on February 26 after over a month of religious activities, the Uttar Pradesh government has reported a staggering footfall of over 63 crore visitors and pilgrims. The administration has implemented multiple measures to maintain order, including the regulation of pontoon bridges based on real-time crowd density. Devotees have been urged to complete their rituals promptly and return to their respective destinations to prevent unnecessary congestion.
The Mela Police Administration has appealed to all attendees to cooperate with authorities and strictly follow the prescribed protocols. Given the scale of the event, maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all devotees remain top priorities for officials. Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, has been a monumental religious gathering, with millions seeking divine blessings through the sacred dip in the holy rivers. As the final day of rituals unfolds, the city braces itself for an unprecedented congregation of pilgrims, marking the grand conclusion of this extraordinary spiritual festival.
