Thousands gather at Hooghly Triveni for Magh Purnima holy dip

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Hooghly on Magh Purnima to take a holy dip in the Ganga, continuing a centuries-old tradition. The Triveni Mela, now in its fourth year, saw pilgrims arriving from different parts of Bengal and neighboring states. The site, believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, has historical significance dating back nearly 700 years. According to records, saints and devotees used to travel here on foot after the Gangasagar Mela for the ritual bath, a practice known as 'Anukumbh.' The bathing ritual began early in the morning, with thousands lining the ghats for what is considered an auspicious purification ceremony.

To manage the massive crowd, the administration deployed police personnel, rapid response teams, and medical units across the venue. Surveillance cameras were installed at key points, and traffic diversions were put in place to regulate movement. The district authorities set up emergency medical stations, and local volunteers assisted in guiding pilgrims. Special arrangements were made for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees to access the river safely. Officials stated that crowd control measures were being strictly followed, and no untoward incidents had been reported as of noon.

The Triveni Mela has grown significantly over the past few years, drawing increased participation. Pilgrims arrived through trains, buses, and private vehicles, with transport authorities running additional services to handle the surge. Vendors and makeshift stalls selling religious offerings, food, and essentials lined the area, catering to the needs of the visitors. The local administration has advised devotees to follow safety protocols and cooperate with security personnel to ensure smooth proceedings throughout the day.