Allahabad:
It's a big day at the Kumbh Mela today as close to 3 crore people will take the plunge of 'holy dip' at the Sangam nose in Allahabad on the occasion of
Mauni Amavasya. The auspicious period set in at 2 pm yesterday and will continue till 2 pm today.
According to Hindu mythology, people are expected to take a vow of silence or
maun today. Lakhs of pilgrims, along with sadhus, will take out grand processions and make a dash for the Sangam in the biggest royal or
Shahi Snaan of the Kumbh.
The
Mauni Amavasya bathing festival, when "naga sadhus" have their second "shahi snan" after
Makar Sankranti, has always witnessed the biggest turnouts.
Tight security arrangements have been put in place to tackle law and order problem and prevent stampedes and thwart any terrorist activity.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh Mela), R K S Rathore, commandos of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been deployed in sufficient strength at the sprawling Kumbh area of about 6,000 acres.
They will be assisted by more than 5,000 policemen drawn in from various parts of Uttar Pradesh and 4,000 personnel of Provincial Armed Constabulary.
Dog squads and bomb disposal squads have also been pressed into service, while watch towers have been established at various points from where security personnel will be having a bird's eye view while remaining in touch with control rooms for necessary action.
Vehicular traffic has been banned in the Kumbh area. CCTV cameras have also been placed at various places to keep a tab on the movements of the people.