Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Updates: Over 50 Lakh Devotees Take Holy Dip on Day 1 of World’s Largest Religious Gathering

Prayagraj, January 13:

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Updates: The much-awaited Mahakumbh Mela 2025 finally began in Prayagraj on the holy day of Paush Purnima, as an overwhelming turnout of devotees was witnessed. Marking the world’s largest religious gathering, the event began in the early hours of Monday with the sacred Shahi Snan at the Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. This celestial gathering, which takes place once every 144 years, will continue until February 26, with an estimated 1.5 crore pilgrims expected to visit over the next 45 days.

Nearly 50 lakh devotees took a holy dip during the first day in a remarkable crowd braving cold, while they thronged ghats under tight security arrangements. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended warm greetings to the devotees emphasizing cultural and spiritual significance of the Mahakumbh. “It is a rare opportunity for the people of this planet to witness the spiritual and cultural richness of our state and the country,” he said.

पौष पूर्णिमा की बधाई।

विश्व के विशालतम आध्यात्मिक एवं सांस्कृतिक समागम 'महाकुम्भ' का आज से तीर्थराज प्रयागराज में शुभारंभ हो रहा है।

अनेकता में एकता की अनुभूति के लिए, आस्था एवं आधुनिकता के संगम में साधना एवं पवित्र स्नान के लिए पधारे सभी पूज्य सन्तों, कल्पवासियों, श्रद्धालुओं…

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 12, 2025

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Updates: Three major bathing events have been planned during the Mahakumbh

Makar Sankranti (14 January), Mauni Amavasya (29 January), and Basant Panchami (3 February). The dates are likely to attract millions of pilgrims, marking the high points of the event.

DIG Vaibhav Krishna said arrangements for the mass celebration were in order. “Nearly 50 lakh pilgrims have taken a holy dip here. The administration has made all arrangements for security, crowd management and parking to welcome the pilgrim rush,” he said. Additional forces from the NDRF, Uttar Pradesh Police and water police units were deployed to deal with any unruly situation.

In an effort to focus attention on the cultural and environmental importance of the Ganga, the Namami Gange team had a yagya at the Sangam on Sunday. More than 200 Ganga Sevadoots participated along with thousands of devotees, highlighting the sacred river’s role in daily life and its conservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy on social media at the great start Mahakumbh received. “Thousands of devotees gathered for this great event is really heartening to see. This reflects India’s deep-rooted spiritual values and traditions,” he said.

The Mahakumbh has also attracted many foreign tourists who come to witness this unparalleled spiritual spectacle. Specific arrangements, like multilingual guides and dedicated facilities, have been made to enrich the experience for international visitors.

As the Mahakumbh 2025 continues, the spiritual energy here in Prayagraj flows among millions who gather here in devotion, faith, and unity. This great spectacular event indeed marks a testimony to India’s rich cultural heritage. Its sound echoes and inspires spiritual seekers on earth.