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Biswajeet Banerjee

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‘66 crore people, Rs 3 lakh crore transactions’: Grand confluence of faith and economy at Maha Kumbh 2025

INDIA

‘66 crore people, Rs 3 lakh crore transactions’: Grand confluence of faith and economy at Maha Kumbh 2025

The festival has not only reaffirmed faith and unity but has also reshaped Prayagraj’s economic landscape, creating livelihoods for millions and setting new benchmarks for large-scale religious gatherings.

Government gears up for last Kumbh Snan on Shivratri with more barricades, and crowd management system

INDIA

Government gears up for last Kumbh Snan on Shivratri with more barricades, and crowd management system

With over a crore pilgrims expected to converge at the Sangam for the auspicious occasion, authorities have reinforced crowd management, medical support, sanitation, and security arrangements.

Maha Kumbh pilgrims struggle as transportation costs, hotel rates skyrocket

INDIA

Maha Kumbh pilgrims struggle as transportation costs, hotel rates skyrocket

The boatman asked for Rs 3,000 per person to ferry us to the Sangam, while the government rate was Rs 150 per person. For a family of four, it should have been Rs 600, but they demanded Rs 12,000, says a pilgrim.

500 tonnes of solid waste, clothes, religious offerings per day: The daunting task of keeping the Maha Kumbh clean

INDIA

500 tonnes of solid waste, clothes, religious offerings per day: The daunting task of keeping the Maha Kumbh clean

To efficiently manage the vast waste generated daily, authorities have implemented a comprehensive waste management system capable of processing 650 metric tonnes (MT) of garbage per day at the Baswar plant.

From 16 to over 100 flights per day: Prayagraj Airport creates new record during Maha Kumbh

INDIA

From 16 to over 100 flights per day: Prayagraj Airport creates new record during Maha Kumbh

On February 16, Prayagraj Airport recorded a milestone by handling 120 scheduled flights in a single day, facilitating the travel of 20,297 passengers—its highest-ever daily footfall.

Stations shut, trains cancelled: Railway officials struggle to manage surge of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh

INDIA

Stations shut, trains cancelled: Railway officials struggle to manage surge of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh

The Uttar Pradesh government says that by 8 am on Monday, 36.35 lakh pilgrims had taken a dip at the Sangam, bringing the total number of devotees visiting the Kumbh to nearly 53 crore.

50 crore, still counting: How divine convergence in Maha Kumbh has turned into economic powerhouse

INDIA

50 crore, still counting: How divine convergence in Maha Kumbh has turned into economic powerhouse

The scale of participation is staggering—surpassing the populations of most nations. Only China and India have populations that exceed the number of devotees who have already visited Maha Kumbh.

Unprecedented Maha Kumbh rush: Nearly one-third of India’s population descends on Prayagraj, turnout 'exceeds all projections'

INDIA

Unprecedented Maha Kumbh rush: Nearly one-third of India’s population descends on Prayagraj, turnout 'exceeds all projections'

The government had initially estimated that 40-45 crore people would participate, but current trends suggest that the number may exceed 50 crore by the end of the Kumbh on February 26.

BJP avenges Faizabad defeat with Milkipur bypoll victory: How it happened

INDIA

BJP avenges Faizabad defeat with Milkipur bypoll victory: How it happened

BJP candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan secured a comfortable victory against SP’s Ajit Prasad, further consolidating the party’s grip on the Ayodhya region.

New excise policy in Uttar Pradesh: Alcohol to cost more, curbs on premium shops and other big changes

INDIA

New excise policy in Uttar Pradesh: Alcohol to cost more, curbs on premium shops and other big changes

A key highlight of the new policy is that beer, liquor, and wine will now be sold from a single counter, according to sources.

Milkipur bypolls: BJP readies battle plan to avenge Faizabad defeat

INDIA

Milkipur bypolls: BJP readies battle plan to avenge Faizabad defeat

Determined to reclaim lost ground, the BJP has mounted an aggressive campaign, making the contest a prestige fight between Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Massive crowds expected for Vasant Panchami Snan at Mahakumbh; authorities strengthen security measures

INDIA

Massive crowds expected for Vasant Panchami Snan at Mahakumbh; authorities strengthen security measures

With enhanced security, improved crowd management, and the unwavering devotion of millions, authorities are hopeful that the Vasant Panchami Snan will proceed smoothly, allowing pilgrims to fulfill their spiritual aspirations in a safe and organized manner

Stampede-like situation in Maha Kumbh: 'For a moment, I thought I was dead', devotee recounts horror

INDIA

Stampede-like situation in Maha Kumbh: 'For a moment, I thought I was dead', devotee recounts horror

A stampede-like situation occurred in Maha Kumbh when devotees surged towards the Sangam at around 2 am, unaware that many people had been sleeping there overnight to secure a prime spot for the Mahurat bath.

Maha Kumbh's Mauni Amavasya snan: Hotels packed, traders doing brisk business in Prayagraj

INDIA

Maha Kumbh's Mauni Amavasya snan: Hotels packed, traders doing brisk business in Prayagraj

Temporary shelters, overnight accommodations, and holding areas have been set up for pilgrims arriving by train and private vehicles.

UP to create new religious circuit covering seven districts: CM Yogi Adityanath

INDIA

UP to create new religious circuit covering seven districts: CM Yogi Adityanath

This circuit will integrate seven districts: Prayagraj, Kashi (Varanasi), Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Bhadohi.

Prayagraj reaps a spiritual and economic windfall in Mahakumbh

INDIA

Prayagraj reaps a spiritual and economic windfall in Mahakumbh

According to CAIT's Uttar Pradesh chapter, daily essential items required by devotees during the event are projected to generate a turnover of over Rs 17,310 crore.

Holy dip at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya comes with a price tag as accommodation costs soar exorbitantly

INDIA

Holy dip at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya comes with a price tag as accommodation costs soar exorbitantly

Private tents and hotels have increased their rates by nearly threefold for this auspicious occasion, drawing concerns about affordability for pilgrims.

Fascinated by mystical Maha Kumbh seers? Now, you can take 5-hour walk tour across akharas; here's what it will cost

INDIA

Fascinated by mystical Maha Kumbh seers? Now, you can take 5-hour walk tour across akharas; here's what it will cost

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a unique “Maha Kumbh Walk Tour,” with costs ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500, depending on the package.

From Rs 200 to Rs 2 lakh: What a trip to Maha Kumbh can cost you, depending on your pocket

INDIA

From Rs 200 to Rs 2 lakh: What a trip to Maha Kumbh can cost you, depending on your pocket

Pilgrims from all walks of life converge here, and their expenses can range from Rs 200 to over Rs 2 lakh, depending on their financial circumstances and lifestyle choices.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Brands cash in on the world's largest religious congregation

INDIA

Maha Kumbh 2025: Brands cash in on the world's largest religious congregation

The Mela administration has leased out a 100 x 130 ft plot to a private player for a staggering Rs 1.22 crore licence fee, transforming it into a sprawling food court.

Naga Sadhus: Mystical ascetics of Maha Kumbh

INDIA

Naga Sadhus: Mystical ascetics of Maha Kumbh

For the Naga sadhus, the Kumbh Mela is a rare occasion to emerge from their hermitages, connect with the masses, and reaffirm their spiritual mission.

Millions take holy dip at Sangam on Makar Sankranti, marking the start of Amrit Snan

INDIA

Millions take holy dip at Sangam on Makar Sankranti, marking the start of Amrit Snan

The saints and sadhus of the 13 akharas, representing different sects of Hinduism, began the ceremonial bathing process in a grand procession

'A memory to cherish forever': Millions take holy dip as Maha Kumbh begins

INDIA

'A memory to cherish forever': Millions take holy dip as Maha Kumbh begins

This year’s Maha Kumbh coincides with a rare celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years, enhancing the spiritual significance of the event.

Kumbh Mela: When, why, and how it is organised

INDIA

Kumbh Mela: When, why, and how it is organised

The Kumbh Mela’s timing is determined by astrology, with the dates aligning to moments when celestial bodies like Jupiter, Saturn, and the moon are in auspicious alignments.

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