Mahakumbh records footfall of 9.1 million from January to April
HARIDWAR: Over 9.1 million pilgrims visited Mahakumbh in Haridwar from January to April, with a majority of them coming this month.
Officially, Mahakumbh started from April 1 when the notification was issued by the state government. The mega congregation will end on Friday.
Traditionally, Mahakumbh starts from January with the first festive bath of Makar Sankranti (Jan 14) and concludes in April-end with the last Shahi Snan of Chaitra Poornima. But owing to Covid situation, the state government had curtailed the tenure from four months to one month.
According to Kumbh Mela Force data, from January 14 to April 27, over 9.1 million pilgrims arrived in Haridwar.
The highest turnout of pilgrims was recorded on Somvati Amavasya on April 12 when 3.5 million pilgrims had taken sacred Ganga dip. On March 11 on the festive occasion of Maha Shivratri (Shahi Snan) Haridwar witnessed a whopping footfall of 3.2 million.
Mesh Sankranti-Baisakhi (April 14), another Shahi Snan saw 1.3 million pilgrims, comparatively less than earlier Shahi Snans due to the spike in Covid cases and strict SoPs.
Last Shahi Snan of Chaitra Poornima (April 27) recorded the lowest footfall with approximately 25,000 pilgrims.
“It was a major task to ensure peaceful completion of the Mahakumbh and the Mela administration with the support of Akhadas, seers, local people and volunteers ensured the fair is held smoothly with Covid-19 safety concerns,” said Kumbh Mela Force Inspector General Sanjay Gunjiyal.
Along with Akhada seers, Kumbh Mela Force personnel including central paramilitary forces, Provincial Armed Constabulary, state police personnel from other districts and home guards have started retreating back to their respective duty.
Superintendent of Kumbh Police Surjeet Singh Pawar said all Kumbh Force personnel are being tested for Covid before they leave the venies.
Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad lauded Kumbh Mela administration for successful completion of Mahakumbh fair.
“Due to commitment by the government and dedication of the Kumbh Mela administrative personnel despite, the Kumbh fair was held successfully,” said Shri Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj, Akhada general secretary.