Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), February 12: Prayagraj District Magistrate (DM) Ravindra Kumar Mandar has issued a stern warning to businesses and traders participating in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, stressing that strict action will be taken against anyone found overpricing their goods or services. He highlighted that the Mela administration and district administration are closely monitoring the activities of vendors to ensure that there are no instances of exploitation during this significant event.
“We have told businesses and traders that overpricing should not happen inside the Maha Kumbh Mela. We are identifying those who are doing this, and strict action will be taken against them. The Mela administration and the district administration are closely monitoring the movement of essential vehicles. We have reserved night time for the movement of heavy vehicles,” DM Mandar stated.
In addition to pricing concerns, Mandar urged the public to refrain from believing in rumors and advised them to wait for official statements from the administration. “Don’t believe any rumours until the Administration issues an official notice on it. Park your cars at the designated parking spaces and then use the shuttle buses provided there to reach Sangam,” he added. He also mentioned that the Information Department and social media teams have been assigned the responsibility of identifying and countering fake news.
On the occasion of Magh Purnima, a massive crowd of devotees gathered at Triveni Sangam for a holy dip. According to official data, over 48.83 million devotees have already participated in the ritual.
In addition to the main event at the Sangam, many devotees also took a holy dip in the Saryu River in Ayodhya. After performing the ritual, some proceeded to visit the Shree Ram Temple. One of the devotees, Monika, praised the arrangements made by the authorities, saying, “We have come here for the snan on Magh Purnima. The government has made really good arrangements. We are having a really nice experience.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also monitored the Magh Purnima snan at Sangam. He extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of the state through a social media post, saying, “Hearty congratulations to all the devotees and residents of the state on the holy bathing festival Magh Purnima! Heartiest greetings to all the revered saints, religious leaders, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have come for the holy bath in the sacred Triveni in Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj today! May everyone’s life be filled with happiness, prosperity, and good fortune by the grace of Lord Shri Hari. May Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna, and Mother Saraswati fulfill everyone’s wishes.”
As of now, the total number of pilgrims visiting the Mela grounds has reached 48.83 million, and the number of Kalpwasis staying at the venue has crossed 10 million.