Google Maps clocks pilgrims' progress

Amid stories on social media about hours-long traffic jams while reaching the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, here is what Google Maps says about the time taken from some of the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and the adjoining states to reach Prayagraj at noon on Monday.

- Kenneth John

MAHAKUMBH NAGAR: The Mahakumbh-2025 is witnessing the surprising trend of a rise in devotee count in its second half even after three Amrit Snans, putting pressure on the national and state highways connecting Prayagraj to the neighbouring districts Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, Kaushambi, Sultanpur and Bhadohi (all in Uttar Pradesh) and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.

Almost all routes are clogged with vehicles even as police and security personnel are on their toes to ensure order.

Posing a challenge to the Mahakumbh administration, over a crore devotees are bathing every day at 48 bathing ghats in the Mela area.

As many as 43.57 crore (435.7 million) devotees bathed in the sacred waters in Prayagraj since the start of the Mahakumbh on January 13 (Paush Purnima).

On Monday alone, 1.10 crore devotees took the holy dip, according to the Mela authorities. With the Maghi Purnima snan on Wednesday (February 12), officials have braced themselves for an acid test of the arrangements.

While the first half of the 45-day fair witnessed a huge inflow of devotees from rural areas across the country, the second half is seeing a big influx of the faithful, mainly from middle class and upper middle-class backgrounds arriving in Prayagraj in their own vehicles instead of the public transport. Yet, they remain unfazed.

Take the case of 103-year-old Ramela Devi, a resident of Barabanki. She has come all the way for the 'Punya ki Dupki' (Dip of Salvation), braving all the traffic snarls and age-related issues.

Leaning on a stick, she exudes enthusiasm for having finally reached the Sangam after two days of travel by road with her family members walking by her side.