The MaghKumbh Mela2014, one of the greatest annual religious affairs for Hindus has begun in Allahabad with thousands thronging the city everyday to witness the grand event. The Magh Kumbh Mela, a mini version of the Maha Kumbh Mela commences every year on Makkar Sankranti (14th January this year) which is the first important bathing day according to the Hindu calendar. Kumbh is held at one of the four places, i.e.Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag),NashikandUjjain, by rotation every third year. This year the Magh Kumbh Mela 2014 is being held inAllahabadand will last till the end of February.
Here’s a look at theweather in Allahabadon another very auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, the Mauni Amavasaya (30thJanuary).
Weather wise it has been a tough winter and an even tougher January for the entire Uttar Pradesh, with most parts witnessing extreme cold day conditions and maximums below 16⁰C due to dense fog cover, coupled with heavy rain and clouding.
Allahabad particularly saw maximums settle between 14⁰C to 18⁰C from the 10thJanuary to the 21stof January and the coldest daytime recorded was 14.7⁰C on the 14thof January. However, the minimums in the city were seen settling between 9⁰C to 12⁰C on an average and the coldest night was witnessed on the 8thof January when the morning minimum was recorded 6.8⁰C.
The Kumbh Mela 2014 began on a chilly and rainy note, with the city recording over 40 mm of rain from the 14thof January onwards. The heaviest rain recorded (30 mm) was on the 17thof January.
“In the absence of a weather system (Western Disturbance in the hills of North India), the temperatures in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Allahabad has seen a gradual rise in the last five days, both in the maximums and minimums. Skies have become clear and the afternoons are now comfortable and sunny, however pockets of central and eastern Uttar Pradesh (LucknowandKanpur) are still witnessing cold day conditions”, said a senior weather official at Skymet Weather.
Therefore those wanting to take a dip in the Ganges on Mauni Amavasya before sunrise should be careful of the cold. But for those who will bathe in the afternoon will feel comfortable as the sun could be bright.
The maximum temperature in Allahabad was 20.4⁰C yesterday (26thJanuary) while, the minimum temperature was 9.4⁰C today morning. On the 30thof January, the maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle around 21⁰C and 12⁰C respectively.
Mauni Amavasya is a pious day on which Manu rishi appeared in this world millions of years ago. And it is believed that on this day when the universe was created. The day observes the largest gathering of people to acquire good karma by bathing in the holy Ganges.
Photo by blog.reuters.
