Next year's Mahakumbh at Prayag (Allahabad) would have 11 more days in comparison to 2001 Mahakumbh while the authorities have increased the area of the mela by 56 per cent. Mahakumbh in-charge Mani Prasad Mishra told UNI here today that while in 2001 mahakumbh, the total days of the mela was only 44 days but this time it would be 55 days. " The authorities have increased the area of the mela by 56 per cent if compared to 2001 kumbh to accommodate about 90 million people who would be visiting during 5 main bathing days starting from Makar Sankranti on January 14,2013 to Shivratri on March 10 2013," he claimed. If compared to 2007, Ardh Kumbh mela, the area increased this time would be around 44 per cent.
Mr Mishra said that works to develop the infrastructure was underway on a war-footing and all preparation would be completed on time.
"Roads, drinking water, sanitation and electricity would be the priority for the authorities to complete by this December, so that the pilgrims get all facilities in time," he added. While the highest over 30 million pilgrims are expected in the Mahakumbh on Mauni Amavasya on February 10 followed by around 20 million on Basant Panchami on February 15, 16 million on Maghi Purnima on February 25, 11 million on the opening Makar-Sankranti on January 14, 5.5 million on Paush Purnima on January 27 and similar number on Shivratri on March 10.
