‘No-vehicle zone’ in Prayagraj ahead of Maghi Purnima dip

The Prayagraj administration has chalked out a special traffic plan for Maghi Purnima on Wednesday when the month-long ‘kalpvas’, an integral tradition of the Maha Kumbh, comes to an end.

Kalpvas refers to the practice of living near a sacred river for a set period, adhering to fasting, self-discipline, introspection and spiritual purification. Performing kalpvas during the Maha Kumbh is considered auspicious.

Over 10 lakh devotees have undertaken kalpavas at the Triveni Sangam this year, a government statement said.

While the fair area has been declared a ‘no-vehicle zone’ from 4 am on Tuesday, the rule will apply to the entire city from 5 pm onwards, with an exemption for emergency and essential services, an official statement said.

The measures are meant to ensure the safety of the devotees who are expected to take a dip in the Sangam in large numbers on Wednesday, it said. To avoid traffic chaos, designated parking lots have been marked for public and private vehicles so that the devotees face no trouble in reaching the ghats on foot, the statement said.