The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, renowned as the world’s largest spiritual congregation, has drawn over 10 million devotees to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers for a sacred dip despite the winter chill. The grand event, featuring key ‘amrit snan’ (immortal nectar bath) days, will continue until February 26. Preparations include eight permanent ghats, 1.6 lakh tents, and 13,000 trains to facilitate the massive influx of pilgrims.
Spiritual Devotion at the Sangam (Prayagraj)
At dawn on Monday, January 13, the sacred day of ‘Paush Purnima,’ over 10 million devotees began their spiritual journey at the Sangam. As northern India remained wrapped in quilts against the cold, a sea of pilgrims gathered to bathe in the holy waters, embodying devotion, penance, and asceticism. This marked the beginning of Maha Kumbh 2025, a celebration of India’s spiritual heritage.
The event will span over two months, with over 40 million devotees expected to take the holy dip within the first two days. By Sunday evening, over 3.5 million pilgrims had already arrived in Prayagraj.
Prayagraj Transformed: A Grand Welcome for Pilgrims
Prayagraj has undergone an extensive transformation for the event. The 10,000-acre Maha Kumbh mela site has been revamped, with eight permanent ghats added to complement the temporary ones. Roads are adorned with vibrant lights, welcome signs, and LED butterfly displays on electric poles. Over 3 lakh plants and 1 lakh saplings have been planted to enhance the city’s aesthetics.
The Maha Kumbh’s opening is extended this year with back-to-back snan days — ‘Paush Purnima’ on Monday and ‘Makar Sankranti’ on Tuesday. The month-long ‘Kalpvas,’ during which devotees reside at the Sangam, begins Monday. The first ‘amrit snan,’ where akharas, seers, and Nagas perform sacred baths, will take place Tuesday. Over 4 crore devotees are expected to attend these initial days.
Sacred Days and Massive Arrangements
The two remaining ‘amrit snan’ days are ‘Mauni Amavasya’ on January 29 and ‘Basant Panchami’ on February 3, with January 29 being the most auspicious day, drawing over 50 million pilgrims. The ‘Kalpvas’ will conclude with ‘Maghi Purnima’ on February 12.
To accommodate the unprecedented numbers, eight permanent ghats and 1.6 lakh tents have been prepared. The mela site, now officially designated as Uttar Pradesh’s 76th district, is a no-vehicle zone until Tuesday.
Transport and Logistics
Following directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, special arrangements have been made for Maha Kumbh, including floral showers on major snan days. Railways will operate approximately 13,000 trains — including 3,134 special trains — over the two months. Additionally, over 7,000 buses, including 350 shuttle services, will connect Maha Kumbh pilgrims to Prayagraj from across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
On Tuesday, the ‘amrit snan’ will commence with Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Panchayathi Atal Akhara taking a holy dip at 6:15 am. Eleven other akharas will follow in a precisely coordinated sequence, using the expanded Sangam nose area to accommodate up to 2 lakh devotees simultaneously.
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