Mahakumbh 2025:  In the forthcoming Mauni Amavasya snan at the sacred city of Prayagraj on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Police is out with a detailed traffic advisory to ensure ease and safety for devotees. Mauni Amavasya, also known as Maghi Amavasya, falls on Mahakumbh Mela this time, so millions of devotees are thronging there in order to get this auspicious bathing ritual done.

Being the world’s largest religious gathering, Mahakumbh Mela witnesses an unprecedented influx of devotees, especially on such significant days. The Uttar Pradesh Police, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), assured the public that they are “committed to ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all the devotees.

Mauni Amavasya possesses great religious importance for Hindus. This new moon day during the month of Magh is the day when many followers worship by remaining silent, taking the holy dip in holy rivers, with a belief that all the sins get washed away and they earn spiritual merit. This time it is even more special because it coincides with the magnificent Mahakumbh Mela, so its religious and cultural significance is enhanced to an unprecedented level.

One of the most sacred acts during the Mahakumbh is ritual bathing on Mauni Amavasya. Millions are expected to converge at the ghats of Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, to participate in this holy tradition.

Key Traffic Guidelines for January 29

To manage the anticipated surge of devotees and ensure their safety, the Uttar Pradesh Police have enforced several traffic regulations. Here are the main points of the advisory:

Restricted Vehicle Entry:

• Vehicles will not be allowed in the Mahakumbh area to prevent overcrowding and potential safety hazards.
• Designated parking areas have been established for pilgrims traveling by car or bus, ensuring their convenience without compromising safety.

No-VIP Zone:

• An area of Mahakumbh has been declared the no-VIP zone. This shall prevent all sorts of chaos and make the visit of each pilgrim just fair in every aspect.
• Even the ‘akharas’ (ascetic groups) will be allowed entry only as per the slot provided to them.

Pontoon Bridge Management

• The pontoon bridges, too, have planned one-way vehicular movement to avoid congestion points.
• In some instances, these bridges may be closed temporarily for public safety.

Designated Parking Arrangements

The authorities have designated several parking areas across Prayagraj to handle the influx of pilgrims. Each location is assigned to specific routes to streamline traffic and reduce congestion. Below is a detailed list of the parking arrangements:

Kali-2 Parking:

Accessible from Old GT Road, near Alopi Devi Temple, through Baghambari Road.

Located in the temporary police station area adjacent to the Alopi Devi Temple.

Nagavasuki Parking (Bakshi Dam):

Entry via the Hasimpur Bridge from Balsan Square.

Parking is available below the Nagavasuki ramp.

Baghada Parking:

Accessible from Balsan Square, through Hasimpur Bridge, and descending from Bakshi Dam to the area near the water tank.

Gangeshwar Mahadev Parking:

Located near Gangeshwar Temple.

Entry routes include Telierganj, Shivkuti, and Govindpur via Ashtron Square.

Colonelganj Inter College and Muslim Hostel Ground Parking:

For pilgrims arriving from Ashok Nagar and Katra.

Plot No. 17 Parking:

Reachable through GT Road, Jawahar Square, Harshvardhan Square, and Bangar Square.

ECC Degree College and Jamuna Christian School Parking:

Open for people arriving from the old city through Yamuna Bank Road.

IERT Ground Parking:

Entry from Mumfordganj through Mazar Square crossing IERT Over Bridge.

CMP Degree College and KP Ground Parking:

Open for devotees arriving through MG Marg.

A Record-Breaking Congregation

Numbers would define the sheer magnitude of Mahakumbh 2025. Currently, almost 14.76 crore pilgrims have taken holy baths. With Mauni Amavasya considered one of the most auspicious days, the authorities expect that close to 8-9 crore more devotees would join the water on their shoulders for amrit snan, and the total attendance would go to unprecedented levels.

Extra Safety Arrangements

The authorities have done everything possible in preparing for the mammoth crowd expected on January 29. Apart from the traffic and parking arrangements, they have deployed extra security personnel and medical facilities at all key locations. Surveillance systems, including drones and CCTV cameras, are in place to monitor the crowd movements and promptly address any untoward incidents.

Temporary police stations have been located near major parking lots and ghats to support the pilgrims. Information booths and volunteer teams will guide devotees to their respective destinations, ensuring they have a trouble-free experience.

Pilgrims’ Cooperation

The authorities have made all possible efforts to create a Kumbh experience that is not only safe but hassle-free as well. Devotees are requested to abide by guidelines, avoid restricted zones, and avail of the designated parking areas. It’s only through cooperation that such a large gathering can be managed.

Conclusion

The Mahakumbh Mela on Mauni Amavasya is more than just a religious activity-it is an exercise in the strength of faith, tradition, and cultural harmony. It’s going to be a massive turnout with millions gathering at Prayagraj, and planning is being undertaken with great accuracy by the Uttar Pradesh Police in collaboration with the other authorities concerned. Devotees planning their visit on 29 January are expected to follow traffic advisories, use available parking areas, and follow other safety protocols while ensuring that they have a fulfilling spiritual journey.