ALLAHABAD: The elderly residents of Sangam city who attended various Kumbh and Ardh Kumbhs relish their vivid memories and point out the changes that they have noticed in the years. They share that Kumbh witnessed changes after 1967 including the change of Sangam spot — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati — from Quila ghat corner towards Chatnag. They also believe that Kumbh has commercialised a lot over the period.Retired railway official RK Pandey (74) recalls, “When I was six-year old, I first took holy dip in Ganga during 1954 Kumbh and even stayed in a small tent with my family for over a month. I have seen the ‘aviral’ and ‘nirmal’ Ganga’ and have attended all Kumbhs and Ardh Kumbhs till now.”“I still have memories of the scene after the stampede at 1954 Kumbh. There was a mound of slippers and shoes as over 400 devotees lost their lives,” Pandey added.“People from adjoining areas used to camp on the banks of Ganga for one and half months. We used to swim for hours in Ganga. The Sangam point has gradually shifted towards Chatnag area, it was then near Quila ghat corner,” he added.“There were no security protocols and VVIP movements. Only a handful had cameras or radios with them. People also got the chances to reunite with their kin settled in other parts of the country,” recalled Pandey.Octogenarian Lukerganj resident Krishna Kumar Kapoor recalled, “I used to stay in tents with my father. We had adequate space for all sorts of religious, social and cultural activities which has now been restricted. People used to walk miles to reach Sangam. The devotees were disciplined and so many policemen were not deployed.”Geetesh Kapoor said, “My bua ji used to tell us that they used to stay in the tent of their panda. They used to carry ration, essentials and cooking material to Mela ground and used to stay for at least one month.”Urmila Pandey (68) says, “Kumbh was gracious and peaceful religious affair. With changing times, Kumbh has turned commercial. Today there are lavish tents having all comforts. It all used to be simple then.”

Stay updated with all the Allahabad Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.