The Magh Mela is an auspicious 45 days bathing festival for the Hindus who bathe at Sangam, the holy confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, to wash away their sins. But given the COVID pandemic, the question of the safety of lakhs of devotees raises a serious alarm for India. Let us learn more about this.
Millions Of Devotees Take Dip In River To Participate In Magh Mela
Lakhs of Hindu devotees travelled to Prayagraj to participate in the Magh Mela. This 45 days holy bathing festival urges Hindus to dip themselves at the holy Sangam, which is the confluence of the three holy rivers in India, namely the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. It is said that dipping oneself absolves them of their sins. According to Hinduism, this period is called Kalpvas, and the devotees who choose to stay for the entire time are known as Kalpvasis. These devotees let go of their daily lives and stay in the camps for 45 days, living on simple meals and performing rituals.
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Despite Police & Temporary Bridges, Social Distancing Went or A Toss
Authorities spent months building temporary tents on the river banks. Even the police are present on-site, and they are ensuring that the devotees follow the COVID protocols. Temporary bridges are also built to help people get to the other side of the river. Also, ferry boats take pilgrims from the Yamuna bank to the Sangam, where they bathe in the holy water and offer their prayers. The health officials have informed that they have tested thousands of pilgrims for the COVID virus since the festival began on January 14th, 2021. The Magh Mela ended on February 27, 2021. Now the effects of this event sans social distancing is yet to the seen in country, which has already confirmed 11 million cases and over 150,000 deaths.Meanwhile, here are 10 unusual temples in India that you must visit in order to plunge yourself in spirituality of the country.