On the first ‘Shahi Snan’ of Pauh Purnima, a massive crowd of devotees dipped in the Ganga river, marking the start of the world’s largest religious gathering, the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district on Monday.
Images from the temple town of Prayagraj depicted worshippers gathering on a number of the city’s ghats and bathing at the Triveni Sangam, which is the meeting point of the Yamuna, Ganga, and the fabled Saraswati rivers, in order to atone for their sins and achieve moksha. At 8 a.m. on Monday, up to 40 lakh devotees dipped in the Triveni Sangam, according to official data.
Over 45 crore pilgrims are anticipated to attend the 45-day Maha Kumbh, which began at the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the ethereal Saraswati rivers after a 144-year break.
People have been traveling to Prayagraj to swim in the Triveni Sangam, not just from India but from all around the world.
Welcoming the devotees to Prayagraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said, “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.” “I am happy to see Prayagraj abuzz with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip and seeking blessings. Wishing all pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay,” PM Modi said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath also extended his wishes to devotees and said, “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,” Yogi Aditynathm, who is leading the Maha Kumbh preparations.”
State Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh instructed the officials and went over all the arrangements prior to the major occasion. “2019 was Kumbh. This is Maha Kumbh, and in the last Kumbh, we received 24 crore pilgrims and this time we are expecting more than 45 crore pilgrims, including 15 lakh foreign tourists. Arrangements are also being made like that,” he said. The state has allocated approximately Rs 7,000 crore for the 45-day mega event, Singh continued, adding that “the last Kumbh was known for sanitation.” This time, the focus is on digital Kumbh, security, and sanitation.
Officials from the central and state governments are collaborating to ensure Maha Kumbh is a success and that the devotees have a positive experience, Singh stated. Modern guards are being used to protect the safety and security of the pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh 2025, marking a rare fusion of technology and spirituality.
An underwater drone that can monitor all aquatic activity around-the-clock has been used for the first time, according to UP Police, to ensure the safety of the devotees. To further assure the safety of the devotees, staff from PAC, NDRF, and SDRF have been deployed on 700-flagged boats, along with AI-enabled cameras and the widespread installation of remote life-saving buoys.
During the Maha Kumbh, renowned vocalists Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and a number of other well-known performers are expected to perform in the sacred city of Prayagraj.
To commemorate the convergence of Indian art, culture, and tradition, the Culture Ministry established a bustling cultural venue called “Kalagram” in the Kumbh Mela region. In a statement released on Sunday, the Culture Ministry listed the names of some of the most well-known vocalists who will be performing in the holy city. Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan, Kailash Kher, Hans Raj Hans, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Maithili Thakur are among the players on the roster.
