The world famous Ardhkumbh mela started in Haridwar amid much pomp and show and vedic rituals. But the festival, known to attract the biggest gathering in the world, has failed to pull record number of visitors this time.
To ensure the security of residents and tourists, the authorities concerned have turned the holy town into a fortress, especially after the Pathankot airbase terror attack. Over 5 crore pilgrims are expected at the four-month-long mela and the Uttarakhand government is doing everything to secure the 132 square km kumbh area. Keeping watch on people's movement are drones, CCTVs and a massive police and paramilitary strength of close to 10,000 personnel.
Besides, with the potholes repaired, the condition of roads has also improved. The Dehradun-Haridwar road has become smooth and in some places near Raiwala, Nepali farm and Jollygrant, the road has been widened.
But two weeks are already over since the fair started, the holy city is yet to witness the crowd that Ardhkumbh is known for. Haridwar's business community, who expected a boom during the religious extravaganza, is anxious as most of the visitors include senior citizens, monks and priests.
With least hustle and bustle, most of the roads, parking lots and bathing ghats look desolate. “This time, there is not much crowd in the city. All eight rooms in a nearby guesthouse are still vacant. Ice-cold water in this peak winter and terrorist threat after the Pathankot incident can be the reasons for dip in the number of pilgrims,” said a shopkeeper selling offerings near the Chandi temple.
A parking lot attendant at the national highway, connecting Haridwar with Delhi, said: “As seen in previous Kumbh melas, the public generally starts pouring in the last three special baths in April. At that time, the weather is pleasant and pilgrims enjoy taking bath in the Ganga. Besides, the final exams of children are over by that time and many families plan the religious trip then.”
“In view of the Kumbh mela, we purchased all necessary items such as milk, vegetables, etc in advance. But there is very less crowd on roads than what we had expected,” said a woman, who lives near the bank of the Ganga.