As lakhs of devotees gather at the Maha Kumbh Mela, the roads in Prayagraj have become major choke points. Heavy traffic congestion has been reported, with thousands of devotees walking for hours to reach their destinations. Travel time to Prayagraj from nearby cities has increased by three to four times, and some arterial roads have traffic jams extending for 10-12 kilometers.
Volunteers Step Up to Help Stranded Devotees
To aid the stranded devotees, Adani-ISKCON volunteers have started distributing food along the congested roads. This initiative ensures that those stuck in traffic for extended periods receive sustenance. In addition to the devotees, the volunteers are also offering Mahaprasad to security personnel managing the large crowds.
Adani-ISKCON’s Mahaprasad Seva Initiative
The Adani Group and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) have collaborated to serve meals to devotees at the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Mahaprasad Seva is being conducted daily and will continue throughout the duration of the mela, which is set to conclude on February 26. Approximately 2,500 volunteers are actively participating in this large-scale initiative. Since the commencement of the Maha Kumbh Mela on January 13, more than 48 crore devotees have attended the religious gathering.
Challenges in Crowd Management
Roads leading to Sangam Ghat, one of the busiest locations in the Kumbh Mela area, remain completely blocked due to the massive influx of pilgrims. In response, thousands of police personnel have been deployed across the city to manage the crowd. In the past three days alone, about 15 lakh vehicles have entered Prayagraj, further adding to the congestion.
The Adani-ISKCON initiative is proving to be a significant relief effort, ensuring that both devotees and security forces receive essential nourishment amid the ongoing spiritual congregation.
