1.5 crore devotees expected to take a holy dip at Sangam on Paush Purnima

The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, celebrated as the largest gathering on Earth, commenced January 13 on the occasion of Paush Purnima. An estimated 1.5 crore devotees are expected to take a holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, under stringent security measures.

According to news agency ANI, the event begins with the ‘Shahi Snan’ on Paush Purnima, marking a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years. Devotees have gathered in massive numbers at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the three rivers, to participate in this auspicious ritual.

The Mahakumbh Mela will conclude on February 26, with significant bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) planned on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

• CM Yogi Adityanath's Statement: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised the importance of Maha Kumbh 2025, describing it as a rare chance for people worldwide to experience the cultural and spiritual richness of Uttar Pradesh and India.
• Grand yagya by Namami Gange: The Namami Gange team organised a large-scale 'yagya' at the Sangam on Sunday, the eve of Maha Kumbh. Over 200 Ganga Sevadoots and thousands of others participated, pledging to preserve the Ganga's purity and flow. The event also recognized India's youth for contributing to the Ganga Swachhata Abhiyan.
• Safety measures: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and Uttar Pradesh Police’s water police units have been stationed to ensure the safety of devotees as the ‘Shahi Snan’ commenced on Paush Purnima, marking the start of Maha Kumbh 2025.
• Traffic arrangements: Traffic police have devised extensive plans to manage vehicular flow and ensure the safety of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
• QR code installation: Over 50,000 QR codes are being plastered on electricity poles across 25 sectors of the Maha Kumbh Mela. These will help pilgrims identify their locations and lodge complaints about electricity-related issues.
• Helicopter joyride: The cost of helicopter rides for an aerial view of Maha Kumbh has been reduced to Rs 1,296 per person. The 7–8 minutes rides, starting January 13, will offer tourists a unique perspective of the expansive Kumbh area and Prayagraj city.
• Hospitals along NH-19: Three hospitals have been established at Aurai, Gopiganj, and Unj police stations on National Highway (NH) 19 in Bhadohi district for devotees traveling to Maha Kumbh. These facilities will become fully operational on January 14, according to Superintendent of Police, Bhadohi, Abhimanyu Manglik.