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Security
beefed up for Magh Mela in Allahabad
by Virendra Patak
Allahabad: Security has been beefed up on the banks of Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Allahabad for the "Magha Mela" beginning here from today. The fair begins on Makar Sakranti, which is also the first important bathing day as per the Hindu calender, and continues for about a month or a month-and-a-half. Security has been extensively beefed up in the wake of terror attacks across the country. Officials said that closed circuit cameras are being used to monitor people visiting the bathing sites. "We are using closed circuit television sets and cameras at various places. We have identified seven sites, which are crowded. We'll regulate everything from the control room, including the crowd. More people won't be allowed at an already crowded site. We'll also issue orders to the pilgrims to leave the bathing sites as soon as possible," said A C Sharma, Inspector General of Police, Allahabad. Sharma said that additional force had been deployed for the safe conduct of the fair, especially after the recent shootout at a prestigious science university in Bangalore.
Lakhs of pilgrims visit Allahabad during the months of January and February every year to take a dip in the river on the occasion of Makar Sakranti. Every six years the Magha Mela is Ardh Kumbh or the 'half' Kumbh. Every 12 years, it is the Maha Kumbh. Hindu mythology traces the origin of this bathing festival to the beginning of the universe. It is believed that the Gods and the demons were squabbling for 12 days over a valuable pot of "Amrit (nectar of immortality). Vishnu, the great preserver, bore it away from the site of the quarrel and was flying along, carrying the pot. In his hurry four priceless drops of nectar fell at Allahabad, Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then, Hindus have traditionally used these places to bathe and wash away their sins to ensure their salvation. To visit the banks of the Triveni or the confluence where the three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati - meet, certain prescribed rites are observed which are of special significance to a Hindu.
Makar literally means 'Capricorn' and Sakrant is the day when the sun
passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. The Sakrant of any month
is considered auspicious as it signifies a fresh start. Makar Sakranti
(Makara Sankranti) is celebrated in the month of Magha when the sun passes
through the Winter Solstice, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of
Capricorn. Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14, and is the only
festival of the Indian calendar which is celebrated on a fixed day of
the solar month. Makar Sankrant is also celebrated throughout India as
a harvest festival. It is a way of giving thanks to nature for its help
to the human race. This is also the period when winter recedes. In Maharashtra,
Sakrant is observed as the festival of friendship, a time to celebrate
the old friendships and to form new ones. The slogan of this festival
is "Tilgul ghyA Ani goD bola (accept tilgul and speak sweetly). Tilgul
a sweet concoction made out of til - sesame seeds and gul - jaggery, is
the symbol of friendship. Friends are asked to emulate the quality of
Tilgul and stick together in lasting friendship and love.
-Jan
14, 2006
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