Biharsharif: District magistrate (DM) Kundan Kumar on Saturday reviewed preparations for the Malmas Mela 2026 at a high-level meeting held in Rajgir. The month-long religious fair is scheduled to be held from May 17 to June 15.Held once every three years during the Hindu lunar month of Malmas or Adhik Maas, the Malmas Mela carries immense religious significance. Lakhs of devotees from across the country visit Rajgir during the period to take a holy dip in the sacred Brahm Kund, known for its natural hot water springs. Officials expect several lakh pilgrims this year, with exceptionally heavy footfall on peak days.The district administration has completed the auction of the fair premises for over Rs 7 crore to ensure timely preparations. Officials said contracts have been awarded to bidders for managing shops, food stalls and other temporary commercial establishments within the mela area, a move aimed at streamlining operations and ensuring regulated services for visitors.The review meeting also took serious note of the recent stampede at Maa Sheetla Mandir in Maghra village of Nalanda district, where lapses in crowd management led to the death of nine devotees and injuries to several others. Drawing lessons from the incident, the administration has decided to prioritise strict crowd control and safety measures.The DM directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements covering security, traffic management, emergency response, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, accommodation and food facilities to avoid inconvenience to visitors.He said adequate deployment of magistrates, police personnel, women police and volunteers will be ensured across the mela area. Sensitive locations will be put under surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones, with strict monitoring of entry and exit points.Traffic diversions, designated parking zones, medical camps, ambulances, help desks, lost-and-found centres, subsidised food counters and digital facilities, including AI-based assistance, mobile applications and a dedicated website, will also be put in place.Senior officials from various departments attended the meeting.
