Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is marking an especially auspicious period during the usual festivities. The local authorities are gearing up to ensure that ‘Kalpvas’ the auspicious period ending on February 12 (Magh Purnima) goes by without any incident
What Is Kalpvas?
It is believed that if a devotee spends time on the banks of the Sangam observing ‘Kalpvas’, he/ she gets fruits of penance of thousand years. The Kalpvas involves practising austerity, self-discipline while living on the banks of the sangam renouncing earthly comforts for a set period of time. Devotees often stay on banks erecting tents. Kalpvas is an integral tradition of the Maha Kumbh
What Steps Has The Administration Taken?
A ban on vehicles in the whole Kumbh Mela area has been announced from 4 AM on Tuesday (February 11). Only essential and emergency service vehicles are being allowed.
To prevent traffic congestion, all public and private vehicles arriving from outside Prayagraj are being directed to designated parking area. Pilgrims are being asked to walk to the bathing ghats.
Whole city of Prayagraj will be declared a ‘no vehicle zone’ from 5 PM on February 11. There is an exemption to emergency services.
The restrictions will stay in place till February 12. Specific traffic plans drawn for this purpose will stay in effect till the Magh Purnima bath concludes.
Restrictions will also apply to vehicles of ‘Kalpvasis’. The authorities have asked Kalpvasis to follow rules.
