The preparations for the Maghi Purnima Snan, scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, are already in place, and the entire Maha Kumbh area has been declared a ‘no vehicle zone’. This came in the wake of a day where thousands of devotees remained stranded for over 30 hours in multiple locations due to traffic gridlocks.
On Monday, massive congestion, reportedly stretching over 300 kilometers, left thousands of pilgrims heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh stranded. The police were seen advising people to turn back if possible, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar said that traffic congestions during Maha Kumbh are “inevitable not due to mismanagement, but due to sheer no. of devotees,” as the event saw the biggest congregation in history.
He added that during Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, more than 40 crore people have already performed holy dips in the Sangam and millions of people are coming daily.
Maghi Purnima Snan Traffic Alert
- From 4 AM on February 11, the entire fairground will be a no vehicle zone to facilitate smooth movement for devotees. However, essential and emergency services will be permitted.
- The no vehicle zone restriction will also apply to Prayagraj city starting 5 PM on February 11, with exemptions for emergency and essential services.
- Devotees arriving in Prayagraj for the sacred bath will need to park their vehicles in designated parking areas along their respective routes after 4 AM on February 11. Essential and emergency services will not be affected.
- The advisory’s traffic arrangements will remain in force until devotees have safely exited the fairground on February 12.
- Entry and exit restrictions for vehicles will also apply to those of Kalpvasis (pilgrims who stay for an extended period at the Kumbh).
