PRAYAGRAJ: Seers of Shaiva (sanyasi) sect akharas will be the first to take the plunge into the holy waters of Sangam during the "Rajsi Snan" on three big snan days, including Makar Sankranti (Jan 14), Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29), and Basant Panchmi (Feb 3), said officials on Thursday.
They will be followed by akharas of the Bairagi and Udasin sects.
While Shaiva (sanyasi) sect akharas include Mahanirvani, Atal, Niranjani, Anand, Juna, Agni, and Avahan akharas three, including Nirmohi, Digambar, and Nirvani, come under the Bairagi sect.
Similarly, Naya Panchayati, Bada Panchayati, and Nirmal akharas come under Udasin sect.
"Mela police have prepared the security and traffic route blueprint for akharas heading for Rajsi snan. The akharas processions will start converging at ghats after 5.15am. There are separate enclosures for akharas and exclusive entry and exit points," SSP (Kumbh Mela) Rajesh Dwivedi told TOI.
He added that adequate police forces will be deployed on the enclosures/routes between akharas kshetra (sector 20) and Sangam nose (sector 3).
"Akharas processions will be entering towards Sangam nose area from Triveni Marg (sector 20) via two pontoon bridges and return via two other pontoon bridges after taking a dip," Dwivedi said adding that devotees will not be allowed to enter these routes.
He added that an elaborate barricading will be made on the routes between Akhara Marg and Sangam nose for processions. Besides, a plan has also been chalked out for akharas' vehicles and their parking.
"A large posse of civil police and traffic policemen will be assigned duties at static points for foolproof security arrangements on all big snan days," he said.
Meanwhile, mela along with district police will set up multiple checkpoints to screen all visitors entering the district. Teams of intelligence squads have also been roped in to enhance the intelligence network, monitor suspicious activities, and maintain vigilance.
With the global spotlight on Maha Kumbh, a three-tier security system has been set up across Prayagraj and surrounding districts.
This time, the mela police will utilise AI-powered cameras along with drones, anti-drone system, and tethered drones to enhance surveillance. Moreover, to ensure the cyber safety of devotees, robust measures have been implemented, including intensified virtual patrolling.
The most skilled police personnel have been given important responsibilities to bolster the security.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword. Kapil Dixit is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communi...
Read MoreKapil Dixit is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communications. He has covered crime at regional as well as state level. His hobbies include reading, writing and meeting people with diverse interests.
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