Millions of devotees, from India and abroad, took a holy dip in Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, marking the beginning of the 45-day ‘Mahakumbh festival 2025’.
Prayagraj: A huge crowd of devotees, many of who traveled from across India and the world, performed the sacred ritual 'Shahi Snan’ on Day 1 of the Mahakumbh festival — the world’s largest spiritual congregation.
Day One of the Mahakumbh mela this week witnessed over 1.65 crore people taking holy dip in the Sangam on the occasion of Paush Purnima. Among those who took bath included Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and veteran BJP leader Uma Bharti. Chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Ganga Maiyya’ were heard as the devotees took a dip in the bone-chilling water.
Over 2 crore people took bath at the Sangam on Day Two. Expected to host at least 45 crore people, the Mahakumbh festival from January 13 to February 26 will showcase India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
A 21-member foreign delegation from 10 countries also took a holy dip at the Sangam. Arrangements for their stay and sacred dip were made at the Tent City in Arail, developed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation. The international delegation included representatives from Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the Uttar Pradesh government in and around the city to ensure people's safety during Mahakumbh. In a first, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters have been deployed across the city to provide round-the-clock surveillance in the Sangam area.
Tethered drones, capable of reaching heights up to 120 meters, have been deployed providing aerial views to identify swelling crowds or areas requiring medical or security intervention. At least 2,700 cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities provide real-time monitoring and facial recognition technology will be used at entry points.
(Photos courtesy: X@MahaKumbh_2025)
Apart from this, a team of 56 cyber warriors are monitoring online threats and cyber help desks have been set up in all police stations in the city. Authorities have set up 1,50,000 tents to accommodate the pilgrims along with additional toilets and sanitation facilities. At least 4,50,000 new electricity connections have been installed. Several electric buses are being run for devotees. The Indian Railways has introduced 98 special trains to make 3,300 trips during the festival.
Special care has been taken to provide health and emergency facilities to the pilgrims visiting the Kumbh area. Temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities have been set up.
On Sunday, before the first bathing festival of Paush Purnima, about 50 lakh devotees took a holy dip in Sangam Triveni. Numerous saints, sages, men, women, elderly and children took a dip in Sangam. On Saturday also, at least 33 lakh devotees took a dip in Sangam.
Once characterised by narrow and worn-out roads, Prayagraj has undergone a remarkable transformation under CM Yogi Adityanath-led government. Ever since the groundwork was laid for Mahakumbh, the city has seen unprecedented development ahead of Mahakumbh 2025.
The city has undergone a world-class makeover ahead of the biggest congregation of the followers of Sanatan Dharma. More than 200 roads have been constructed and upgraded, ensuring seamless connectivity for millions of devotees likely to attend the grand spiritual gathering. A total of 4,893 electric poles were successfully relocated to accommodate the roadwork.
