Prayagraj, January 15: Crores of people - devotees, Naga sadhus and tourists - have gathered on the banks of River Ganga in Prayagraj as Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019 began on Tuesday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Hindu seers and saints were seen head towards the Sangam Ghat for a holy dip in the Ganga on the occasion of the first ‘Shahi Snan’ in the early morning hours today. Among those who took a holy dip in the River Ganga was Union Minister Smriti Irani. The occasion of Makar Sankranti marks the first day of sun's transit into the Makara, marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. Kumbh Mela 2019 Shahi Snan at Prayagraj Live Streaming: Watch Live Telecast as Akharas Take Holy Dip.

Security Tightened For Ardh Kumbh 2019

According to reports, approximately 1.17 lakh people offered prayers to Akshay Vat, a sacred fig tree mentioned in the Hindu mythology in Prayagraj. Kumbh Mela 2019: Who Are The Naga Sadhus and Where Do They Come From?

The local police are keeping a strong vigil and monitoring the regions adjoining the banks of river Ganga and its tributaries. Vehicular movement on Prayagraj roads has also been restricted due to a large footfall of tourists. Moreover, the administration has taken the help of Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) and citizens in maintaining law and order. Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019 Shahi Snan: Know The Dates and Significance of Main Bathing Days in Prayagraj.

On Monday, a fire had broken out at the Kumbh Mela Complex. While no one was injured in the fire, several tents were gutted in flames. A pandal set up for Kumbh Mela near Digambar Akhada caught fire after which raging flames had engulfed other tents. The fire was brought under control by firefighters.

Tent City

To accommodate millions of visitors at Kumbh, a tent city has been set up along the vast river banks of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The tent city is spread over 100 hectares and has modern amenities like food courts, meditation halls, restaurants and entertainment provisions. Over 4,000 tents along with other accommodation options like luxury cottages have been set up for Ardh Kumbh 2019. Kumbh Mela 2019 Tent City: Know Where to Stay and How to Book Tents in Prayagraj During Ardh Kumbh.

There will be six Shahi Snan days spread over the 45-day Ardh Kumbh in Prayagraj. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said that over 15 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh over these 45 days.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter this morning to wish the people on the occasion of the beginning of Kumbh Mela 2019.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2019 10:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).