The Mela administration has directed the entire police force to focus on crowd control. Senior officers Bhanu Chandra Goswami and Ashish Goyal, who arrived from Lucknow, are assisting by sharing their previous experiences in managing such large gatherings.As the crowd for the Basant Panchami Snan continues to swell, authorities reported that nearly 1.23 crore devotees had taken a dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam by 6 pm on Sunday. Since January 13, over 34 crore devotees have participated in the holy ritual.Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the All India Akhara Parishad, urged devotees to avoid overcrowding in the limited Sangam area. A key attraction of the Amrit Snan will be the grand procession of saints and ascetics, including the ash-smeared Naga sadhus from various Akharas (monastic orders).To ensure the smooth execution of the third and final Amrit Snan, the Mela authorities have issued an advisory. All 13 Akharas will perform the ritual as per the guidelines agreed upon by their respective office bearers. Kumbh Mela District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand has instructed the police administration and the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Akhara to oversee the Akharas’ bathing schedule and ensure adherence to tradition.In a letter to Shree Mahant of Shri Nirmohi Ani Akhara, with copies sent to the police administration and ADM Akhara, the district magistrate outlined the traditional bathing sequence. As per custom, on Basant Panchami, Shri Mahant of Akhil Bhartiya Shri Nirmohi Ani Akhara and Shri Digambar Ani Akhara must remain at their designated places with Shri Hanuman Ji’s flag, musicians, and bands until after the bathing of Shri Nirvani Ani Akhara, which is scheduled to leave the Sangam Nose ghat at 11:35 a.m.
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