Simhastha-Kumbh: Ujjain gears up for world’s largest religious gathering

With expected footfall of around five crore, authorities have made a number of arrangements for security and crowd management

GN Bureau | April 21, 2016


#Ujjain   #Simhastha Kumbh  


The holy city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is set to hold the Simhastha-Kumbh Mela starting from April 22. In the world’s largest religious gathering, nearly five crore devotees are expected to take part till May 21. For an event of such a grand scale, both the state government and the Centre have taken a number of measures for security and  smooth functioning.

The Indian Railways have pitched in, anticipating the volume and pattern of rail traffic at Ujjain railway station and adjoining stations. Some of the steps include improvement of shelter at platforms, development of sitting space with sheds and constructing additional foot over-bridges.

This year, for the first time, many eunuchs will be participating in the rituals of the Kumbh Mela.

About 25,000 security personnel have been deployed to check law and order and monitor the crowd. Around 500 CCTV cameras have been installed at various locations around the area. Help from bomb detection and disposal squads and sniffer dogs will also be taken to check any explosives. Authorities have roped in snake-charmers and experts to prevent snake bite.

The official website of the Simhastha Mela has also provided with emergency numbers – of police stations, fire brigade and civil hospital – for devotees participating in the event.

Many of these steps have come up as the state government does not wish to replicate the tragedy of the 2013 Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. On February 10, 2013, a stampede broke out at the Allahabad railway station, leaving 36 people dead. The stampede apparently broke out after a railing on a footbridge collapsed at the station. However, it was alleged that the stampede occurred because of the railway police who charged at the crowd with batons to control the huge rush at the station.

Comments

 

Other News

Who checks the books?

I read about the news about the Coimbatore library over coffee this morning. On the face of it, the headline was about a political ‘war’ between the DMK and TVK. But what stayed with me was something much more important than the blame game behind what had transpired. A writer walking through

Development paradox: Falling poverty miracle and an inequality problem

India’s reduction in poverty over the past decade is a development achievement of considerable significance. The World Bank’s April 2026 ‘India Development Update’ estimates that the share of Indians living below the international extreme-poverty line of $3.00 per person per day i

In Arunachal, a river we call mother

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang is not just a river. For many of us, especially the Adi people, it is part of our family. Our grandparents fished in it. Children learned to swim in it. Our farms drink from it. When someone says a huge dam will be built on it, we do not hear the word "project".

A new retelling of the Mahabharata delves into key moments

In a time when every decision carries consequences and questions of ambition, power, loyalty, identity and moral choice continue to shape our lives, Dr. Arun Krishnan’s new book, ‘Mahakshana’ (Penguin India) offers a strikingly relevant retelling of the Mahabharata.  

Cabinet approves viability gap funding to develop grid-scale energy storage systems

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Development of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems, with a total financial support of Rs.14,500 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. The scheme aims to support the development o

Cabinet creates a pathway to absorb Agniveers in Defence Forces

An objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency has brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered reg

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter