Kumbh Mela 2019: ‘Paush Purnima Snan’ today, 60 lakh devotees set to take holy dip

Over 60 lakh devotees are set to take the holy dip on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’ in the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Monday. The Kumbh administration has constructed 35 ‘snan ghats’ on the banks of Ganga. The day also marks the beginning of ‘Kalpvaas’ or brief stay at the Kumbh. The ritual means that some devotees will stay at the Mela for a few days after taking the holy ‘snan’. The administration says that around 15 to 20 lakh devotees will opt for ‘kalpvaas.’

Paush Purnima is extremely important occasion according to the Hindu calendar. It is believed that the day marks the ‘sangam’ or meeting of Sun and Chandra or Moon Gods. According to the Hindu panchang, the tithi began on January 20 at 2:20 pm and will last till January 21st at around 10:47 am. The second ‘shashi snan’ will also take place on the occasion of Paush Purnima today. On this day, devotees take holy dip in Ganga and make donations to the needy ones. Woolen clothes, food items made from sesame seeds and jiggery are especially donated on Paush Purnima. 

Meanwhile, an NGO named Narayan Seva Sansthan has set up a spiritual and surgical camp at the ongoing Kumbh Mela, along with an artificial limb development unit. Prashant Agarwal, President of Narayan Seva Sansthan, speaking to reporters here Thursday said senior surgeon Amar Singh Chundawat's team will be measuring differently-abled individuals for making customised limbs for them, which will then be installed and donated to the beneficiaries.

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"We will conduct surgeries free of cost," he said. The NGO has set up a 100-bed hospital at the fair site at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Agarwal said the NGO has invited volunteers from all across the country and divided them in three groups -- for cleanliness, operation of wheelchairs, and foot massage of devotees.

"The 'Swachh Army' deals with cleanliness in the mela. The 'Wheelchair Army' will help the elderly, who are unable to walk, or disabled. They provide wheelchair and help them to enjoy the Kumbh Mela. The 'Foot Massage Army' will help pilgrim and saints by giving them a massage," the president of the Udaipur-based NGO said

The 2019 Kumbh Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti and will come to an end on Mahashivratri on March 4. More than 12 crore people are expected to take part in the festival over the next 50 days.

(With agency inputs)

HIGHLIGHTS

• The 2019 Kumbh Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti.
• the Mela will come to an end on Mahashivratri on March 4.
• More than 12 crore people are expected to take part in the festival.