‘Prayagraj At Its Breaking Point’: Local’s Reddit Post Asking Maha Kumbh Devotees To Leave Sparks Debate – News18

Last Updated:February 24, 2025, 23:22 IST

In a post on Reddit, the user said that Prayagraj has officially reached its “breaking point”. The sheer volume of tourists has made it difficult for locals to go about their everyday lives.

As the massive crowd continues to throng Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, a local resident has publicly asked visitors to stop coming to the city as the swelling crowd is causing disturbance to the daily life of Prayagraj residents.

In a post on Reddit, the user said that Prayagraj has officially reached its “breaking point”. The sheer volume of tourists has made it difficult for locals to go about their everyday lives.

“I don’t even know where to start, man. Prayagraj has officially reached its breaking point, and as a local resident, I can’t f****g take it anymore,” he said.

He further said that all of last year went in the preparation for Maha Kumbh. Roads in Prayagraj were dug up, flyovers were constructed, and every corner of the city was beautified in anticipation of the world’s largest religious festival. However, now that the Maha Kumbh is on its last leg, the crowd of visitors in the Uttar Pradesh city is only increasing.

“But now it’s 19th February. The last Amrit Snan is already done. We are literally in the ending phase of Maha Kumbh. So why the hell is the crowd only increasing instead of decreasing?” questioned the user on Reddit.

The user went on further, claiming that the sheer volume of tourists has made it difficult for locals to go about their everyday lives.

The Reddit user asked the devotees to stop coming to the city as it is “exhausted” and ill-equipped to handle the huge crowds.

“It’s like people from all over India just refuse to stop coming. The city is beyond exhausted. Public transport? Overloaded. Roads? Completely jammed. Even the narrowest gullies (alleys) are packed with people and vehicles. Every single street, turn, and intersection is just cars, e-rickshaws, and foot traffic forcing their way through,” he said.

“The worst part? We locals are being blamed. Yesterday, I thought, ‘Chalo, jo bacha-kucha hai, ghoom lete hain (Let’s roam the rest of the city).’ Biggest mistake. I took my vehicle out, only to be stopped by random strangers yelling at me, saying, ‘Aap logon ki wajah se jam lag raha hai!’(There is traffic congestion because of you).’ Bruh, we live here,” added the person.

Netizens In Splits

Some users raised their voice in support of the user and some echoed their voice in support of the mega event. They said that the event provided the opportunity to many people including the locals to earn money.

A user commented, “But huge number of locals also made lot of money as well. Restaurants, hotels, lodges/dharamshalas, PG/guest houses, food n tea stalls in Kumbh area, rickshaw and Erickshaw, illegal bike taxis, beggars, datun walas…. I myself know few locals who made a fortune. So, misery for some is opportunity for others. This is always the case in India.”

Another commented, “As one of the tourists during the 18th-19th, i kindly apologize. I could totally understand how you felt. But leaving the place with so much gratitude. I thanked all the bike guys who made my trip successful, every citizen of Prayagraj, every single person’s contribution for making my trip a success. I really am thankful for all such people like you and I cannot say anything more than this bro. Thank you. How you’ll get your old Prayagraj back soon.”

“Try to sell something to this crowd. If you manage to find that product, you might not have to work a day in your life. Convert challenge into opportunity, instead of being a cry baby,” another user commented.

The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will end on February 26, on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

Location :

Allahabad, India, India