Click to play videoNew Delhi: Lakhs of pilgrims are expected to take a holy dip on the occasion of the mauni amasya, the biggest and the most auspicious day for bathing, in the river Ganga at the Ardh Kumbh in Allahabad on Friday.
The age-old belief is that a dip at the sangam at this time would not only wash away all their sins but also rid them of all diseases.
The Akhadas have also made preparations for the second shahi snan in which nearly eight lakh saints will take part.
After somewhat lukewarm response of pilgrims on the first two auspicious days of Ardh Kumbh Snan on paush poornimaon January 3 and makar sankranti on January 14 to 15, trains and buses jam-packed with pilgrims have reached Allahabad.
Lakhs of devotees are making a bee-line to the Ardh Kumbh Nagari on foot to observe silence and have bath on mauni amavasya, taking a holy dip at the sangam, the holy confluence of three sacred rivers.
Plying of vehicles has again been banned in the mela ground and surrounding areas while heavy vehicles scheduled to pass through the city are being diverted through other routes.
Schools have been ordered closure till January 23 in view of cold and traffic restrictions in force for mauni amavasya and basant panchmi on January 23.
Several intermediate colleges and schools have been converted into night-shelters by the administration.
The district administration has also made elaborate security arrangements at the site. Senior police officials are also camping at the site.
(With inputs from agencies)
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