A sea of humanity swamped the Kumbh Nagari here on Monday as lakhs of pilgrims led by ascetics of Hindu sects took a holy dip on what was the second and most auspicious ‘shahi snan’ on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Traditionally the biggest of all the sacred bathing days in the 50-day long Mela, Mauni Amavasya this time holds greater significance as it falls on a Monday and that too during the Kumbh – a rather rare combination on many accounts.

The day began as early as 3 am for many devotees who were seen making a beeline for the Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati —  on foot as entry of vehicles was restricted in the vicinity of Kumbh Nagari, the sprawling 32000-hectare township that has come up on the banks of the river.

Many devotees take up a vow of silence on this day. Sadhus of 13 akharas (seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh) who have traditionally participated in the Kumbh Mela will be the first to take the holy bath. Each akhara, the term for an organisation of sadhus, will be allocated 30-40 minutes to participate in the ritual bath by the Kumbh administration.

Massive security paraphernalia has been put in place, involving over 40 police stations and as many fire stations to deal with any emergency like situation. Also, as per officials, for close coordination and prompt communication, an Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) and 12 wireless grids have been established. The entire area is under surveillance of 440 CCTV cameras. Owing to the massive turnout, the ephemeral mega city on Monday, though briefly, could possibly become the most populous place in the world.