Biharsharif: Nalanda district administration has intensified preparations for the internationally renowned Malmas Mela, scheduled to be held in Rajgir from May 17 to June 15. DM Kundan Kumar and superintendent of police Bharat Soni on Thursday jointly reviewed the arrangements with priests, mahants and members of various religious groups at RICC Rajgir.Observed once every three years during the Hindu month of Adhik Maas, the Malmas Mela is among Bihar’s largest religious congregations. Lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad visit Rajgir during the period to take a holy dip in the sacred Brahm Kund hot springs and offer prayers at temples and other religious sites.Spread over nearly 41.5 acres, the mela grounds have fetched a record auction price of Rs 7 crore this year, reflecting the growing scale and commercial significance of the event. Temporary markets, food stalls, shops selling household goods, amusement rides, swings, circus shows and entertainment zones are expected to come up across the fair area during the month-long event.Officials said elaborate arrangements were being made for crowd management, sanitation, traffic regulation and maintenance of law and order. Additional police personnel will be deployed at sensitive locations, while CCTV surveillance and emergency response systems are also being strengthened.The administration will maintain strict vigil against pickpocketing, chain-snatching and other anti-social activities to ensure a safe and orderly experience for devotees.
