Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 has officially started today on Monday and a sea of humanity would be taking a dip into Sangam’s lapping waters along with a mass of saints rushing to take their first shahi snaan (royal bath) on Makar Sankranti.
It is said in news that around 1.1 crore pilgrims are likely to take shahi snaan on the first day of Maha Kumbh 2013, the festival that visits the banks of this confluence of the country’s civilization rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical as well as invisible Saraswati, every 12 years.
In addition, the Ministry of Railways has announced to run special trains keeping in mind the lakhs who will travel to Allahabad for the Kumbh Mela starting on Monday.
Indian Railways has announced to run special train and adding coaches in main trains, addition tickets counters have been established at the Allahabad railway station.
New foot over bridges, waiting rooms and pure drinking water facilities have been deployed. CCTV, medical facilities and crowd management services have also placed by the state government.
The state government and Mela organization has established most facilities in and around Allahabad. Officials said 1,900 extra coaches have been requisitioned by the three railway zones catering for the Kumbh Mela 2013.
It is said that around 750 special trains will be run by the North Central Railway during the Kumbh with additional stoppage at Etawah, Allahabad, Naini, Cheokki and Vindhyachal stations.
