RailEnquiry

ALLAHABAD: The Allahabad railway station stampede and heavy rains that shook up the arrangements seem to have made no adverse impact as pilgrims continue to arrive at the Maha Kumbh Mela, especially youths and foreign nationals, flocking on the banks of Ganga to witness the grand confluence of faith and humanity.While foreign visitors claim Maha Kumbh is the destination of every person who comes here to attain salvation and soak in spiritual energy at the largest religious congregation on the earth, youths believe it's a matter of faith which attract millions of devotees towards Sangam not only to take a holy dip but also to practise yoga and meditation. As various organisations carry out a series of spiritual programmes, both youths and foreign national find solace in yoga.Despite rains, hordes of foreign nationals were spotted poised on the ground on their yoga mats, chanting hymns, and practising the yogic exercises. An elated group of disciples from Russia said they got to see a live sea of humanity and that they found the mega event enormously delightful.

Youths too say "It's an assembly of seers, gurus, devotees and devotion. Such an occurrence cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the globe and is exceptionally pleasant," they added. Tens of millions of pilgrims and devotees arrive at the Sangam from across the globe and participate in the mega event held once in 12 years.

February showers wreaked havoc on the lives and routine of seers and kalpwasis but failed to make any impact on tourism industry. The fact is that tents including Maharaja Swiss cottages and ordinary Swiss cottages have adequate bookings and there is no space for the events on February 23, 24 and 25.

Claiming that the tents were waterproof as well as able to bear the winds speed to an extent, the guests appreciated the efforts of tourism department to set up tents on permanent brick structures which helped them remain unaffected.

DP Singh, senior manager, UP Tourism Development Corporation told TOI "There was no effect of the rains and tourists are flocking the tent city unabated". He added "The cottages are full ahead of Maghi Poornima snan and Mahashivratri and guests are continuously approaching the tourism officials for bookings." Some guests were shifted to hostels (during rains) after they apprised the officials about their health being affected. Visitors especially foreign nationals are in a sizeable number and are booking space prior to the two remaining important bathing days.