The Maha Kumbh 2025 started today with the holy dip in the Sangam
An unprecedented 45 crore people are anticipated to attend the Maha Kumbh, which will take place from January 13 to February 26 and highlight India’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions. Beginning Monday with the auspicious ‘Shahi Snan’ at the Sangam in Prayagraj, which commemorates the meeting of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati, Maha Kumbh, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, got underway.
As a spiritual center, Prayagraj attracted pilgrims, devotees, saints, and seers from all across India and the world. The large crowd watched as individuals carried out the holy rite of bathing in the Sangam, which represents the atonement of sins and the achievement of spiritual merit.
Beginning on ‘Paush Purnima,’ this religious occasion, which happens once every 144 years because of a unique celestial alignment, drew more than 4 million believers on its first day. This day, known as Paush Purnima in the Hindu calendar, signifies the start of the 45-day Maha Kumbh festival. In the morning, the devotees took a holy dip in Triveni Sangam, a fearsome confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and “mystical” Saraswati.
The holy rite “Shahi Snan” was performed by a sizable group of devotees, many of whom had traveled from all across India and the world. The Maha Kumbh festival, which takes place from January 13 to February 26 and is anticipated to draw at least 45 crore people, will highlight India’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions. The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive security precautions.
First, to provide 24-hour surveillance in the Sangam area, underwater drones with a 100-meter diving range have been placed across the city. Tethered drones, which can fly up to 120 meters, have also been used to provide aerial views in order to spot swarming crowds or locations that need security or medical attention.
Real-time surveillance is provided by at least 2,700 cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, and facial recognition technology will be employed at entry points. In addition, all of the city’s police stations now have cyber assistance desks, and a group of 56 cyber warriors will keep an eye on online dangers.
Making this year’s Maha Kumbh a “Digital Maha Kumbh,” which involves utilizing cutting-edge security measures, is a top priority for the state administration. A seven-tier security system has been put in place, extending from the outer barrier to the inner sanctuary.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted devotees to the major spiritual event and offered heartfelt wishes on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima, highlighting the Mahakumbh’s representation of the meeting point of faith and modernity.
CM Yogi wrote in a posto on X, “Greetings on Paush Purnima. The world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering ‘Mahakumbh’ is starting from today in the holy city of Prayagraj. All the revered saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have come to experience unity in diversity, to meditate and take a holy bath at the confluence of faith and modernity are heartily welcomed. May Maa Ganga fulfil all your wishes. Best wishes for the inauguration and first bath of Maha Kumbh Prayagraj. Sanatan Pride-Maha Kumbh Festival.”
Prime Minister said on X, “A very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture! Maha Kumbh 2025 commences in Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony.”
On the festival of Paush Purnima, the 45-day Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which is regarded as the biggest assembly on Earth, began early Monday. Under strict security, an estimated 1.5 crore (15 million) pilgrims are anticipated to take a holy bath at the Sangam, the revered meeting point of the Yamuna, Ganga, and the legendary Saraswati.
To ensure complete safety coverage, the Water Police are also outfitted with 440 lifebuoys, more than 3,000 life jackets, 100 dive kits, and other state-of-the-art equipment.
To guarantee safe and efficient vehicle traffic for pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, traffic police authorities have put a thorough strategy into action and made several provisions.