"In the melee, it is very easy for a child to just disappear," said Subedar Singh, a campaigner with anti-trafficking charity Pragati Gramodyog Evam Samaj Kalyan Sansthan. Religious congregations are an integral part of Indian culture but are becoming dangerous places for children and thousands are reported missing each year, child rights campaigners say. The Kumbh Mela has always had lost and found booths to help reunite lost children and the elderly with their families. "It seems like a small intervention, but the impact is big," said Shitla Prasad Pandey, a fourth generation priest at the Kumbh Mela. "So many sacred activities go on at this event but what can be more sacred than ensuring the safety of children."

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 12, 2019 11:15 UTC