PRAYAGRAJ: The six-week Maha Kumbh Mela, considered the most important event in Hinduism, is to start on Monday in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This mammoth festival is likely to attract more than 400 million visitors who are going to gather at the sacred triveni sangam where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers merge to take their ritualistic dip which will clean their sins and provide salvation.
It is said that the beginning of the festival is from a myth about the god Vishnu and the battle in heaven over a pitcher of immortality where four drops of nectar fell on Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, and this is why Kumbh Mela is held in rotation every 12 years. However, Maha Kumbh takes place only once in 144 years, and it has been said to be especially auspicious.
The authorities have used 4,000 hectares of land as a temporary city with 150,000 tents, 3,000 kitchens, and much toilet facilities. Indian Railways has prepared 98 special trains to take visitors coming to attend this festival.
The Uttar Pradesh police have placed around 40,000 personnel and its safety would be furnished using high-tech surveillance tools. Emergency services will consist of 125 road ambulances along with air support on medical emergencies.
The state government has reserved 64 billion rupees, about $765 million, for this event. Promoting the event internationally will help attract tourists. The successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela would act as a testimony towards India's organizational capability and cultural value.
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