Swachh Rajim, The Real Showstopper Of Well-Managed Rajim Maghi Punni Mela, 2023

Gariyaband (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 16: The Rajim Maghi Punni Mela at Prayagraj Triveni Sangam at the temple town of Rajim, of Chhatisgarh’s Gariaband district, this year was distinguished not just for the colossal crowds it attracted and the state-of-the-art amenities offered to the pilgrims but also owing to the fact that it passed off without any untoward incident. This was made possible through the hard work and prior planning by the District administration during the 14-daylong event. It is pertinent to mention that thousands of pilgrims visited during the mela days, which commenced on the 5th of February on Maghi Purnima Day and ended up on the 18th of February on Mahashivratri day. The festival is marked by a ritual dip in the Sangam waters, the holy confluence of rivers Mahanadi (Chitrotpala), Pairi and Sondur. It is also a celebration of community commerce with fairs, education, religious discourses by saints, and community meals for the monks and the devotees.

A good number of CCTV surveillance cameras helped the administration manage the crowds. The smart solutions were largely responsible for the flawless conduct of the event and the attention it received state-wide.

Among the other facilities, Gariyaband District Collector IAS Prabhat Malik said that several tube wells are being installed for water supply, and a total of 3 km of new roads were constructed along with resurfacing of the new roads. When it comes to health services, he said that an adequate number of healthcare camps were part of the fair, where the specialist doctors and team of health experts took good care of any medical emergency. Swacch Rajim was this year’s central theme, and various cleanliness and waste-management initiatives were a part of this event. 100 sanitation workers were involved in keeping the mela premises clean. 

Over 70 toilets with temporary Sewage Treatment Plants were installed so that no faecal waste ends up directly in the holy river.

Special cultural attractions

Chhattisgarhi folk art was the main stage attraction at the mela. Padmashree Mamta Chandrakar was presented by Lokmanch Chinhari of Raipur. This year a Ramayan Troop from Vietnam performed Ramleela at the meal, which was attended by several dignitaries. Sand artist Nitish Bharti showcased his magnificent sand art, which completely enthralled the spectators. A grand firework was also a part of the Mela opening this year, which was especially enjoyed by state’s Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who was grandly welcomed by the people.

While the event was a success in terms of cleanliness and hygiene, the expert management of the Rajim Maghi Punni Mela, 2023, by the Gariaband District Administration, is also being talked about throughout the state.