New Delhi, Jan. 27 -- To support the massive turnout at the Mahakumbh, the Centre is planning to offer essential pulses like chana and moong dal under its Bharat Dal scheme at heavily subsidised prices, two people aware of the matter told Mint.

This initiative, aimed at supporting the world's largest religious gathering, is a top priority for the consumer affairs ministry. It has allocated 30 tonnes of chana dal, 10 tonnes of whole chana, and 5 tonnes each of masur dal and moong dal to cater to the needs of the devotees, according to one of the officials mentioned.

The Mahakumbh, a religious event of immense significance occurring after a gap of 144 years, has already attracted over 100 million devotees and visitors. This grand congrega...