Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, kicked off in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, January 13. The first ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) of the festival took place on the occasion of Pauh Purnima, with devotees flocking to the holy Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. As per government reports, a massive turnout of 60 lakh devotees took part in the ritual at 8 am.
The 45-day Maha Kumbh will draw over 45 crore devotees from across India and abroad. This event, which occurs once every 12 years, has gained additional significance this time, as it marks a rare celestial alignment that happens only once every 144 years. Devotees, pilgrims, and tourists have started arriving in Prayagraj to participate in the sacred rituals and seek spiritual salvation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the devotees, acknowledging the event’s global significance. He stated on social media, “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.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his blessings, highlighting the spiritual significance of the Maha Kumbh.
Ahead of the mega event, the state government reviewed arrangements with a special focus on security, cleanliness, and digital infrastructure. Manoj Kumar Singh, the state’s Chief Secretary, said, “This time we are expecting more than 45 crore pilgrims, including 15 lakh foreign tourists.” The budget for the Maha Kumbh has been estimated at around Rs 7,000 crore to ensure the success of the event.
Notably, the government has partnered with major tourism stakeholders like IRCTC and ITDC to offer exclusive tour packages and luxury accommodations for pilgrims. 80 luxury accommodations have been set up at the tent city in Prayagraj, while IRCTC is also providing luxury tents for the influx of visitors.
Safety and security are top priorities at the event. The authorities have implemented modern technology, including AI-enabled cameras for surveillance and an underwater drone for monitoring activities in the river. Additionally, thousands of life-saving buoys, PAC teams, and NDRF and SDRF personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of devotees.
A vibrant cultural program is also part of the festival, with renowned artists like Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Mohit Chauhan set to perform. The Culture Ministry has also created a Kalagram in the Kumbh Mela area to celebrate India’s rich heritage, art, and culture.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues, the collaboration of traditional spirituality with modern technology sets the stage for a unique and memorable experience for millions of devotees.
