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

“I walked almost the entire night to reach the ghats. I was tired but the sight of the Ganga rejuvenated me,” said Ram Kali, a 65-year-old devotee from Azamgarh, her voice filled with emotion as she stood at the banks of the Sangam.

Accompanied by her son, Ram Kali reached the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, her steps steady despite the fatigue of a 12-kilometer walk. With trembling hands, she scooped up a handful of holy water, sprinkled it over her head, and lit a diya. Standing knee-deep in the sacred waters, she performed an aarti of the Sangam, floated the diya, and then folded her hands in prayer. Finally, she took a deep breath and plunged into the icy waters, emerging with a radiant smile. “Thakawat dur ho gayi (My tiredness has gone),” she exclaimed, as chants of “Ganga Maiya ki Jai” echoed around her.

A Spectacle of Faith

Ram Kali's story was just one among millions as the Maha Kumbh 2025 began on Paush Purnima with an overwhelming surge of devotion. By 5:30 pm, over 1.50 crore pilgrims had taken a dip at the Sangam, with the number expected to cross 2 crore by nightfall. The air was alive with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Shri Ram," creating a divine symphony that resonated across the 12-kilometer stretch of bathing ghats.

Braving the winter chill, devotees from across the country made arduous journeys to be part of the holy event. Sunita Devi, who walked five kilometers carrying her one-year-old son, called it a moment of divine blessing. “This is my son’s first Kumbh. Bringing him here is a memory I’ll cherish forever,” she said.

Groups of pilgrims arrived in droves, many holding hands or following leaders who carried saffron flags to keep their parties together. Surendra Yadav, a farmer from Jaunpur, shared, “We’ve traveled in a group of 50. The flag helps us stay united in the crowd. The journey is tough, but the dip at Sangam makes it all worthwhile.”

Families brought blankets, food, and even tents to set up temporary camps near the ghats. Thousands of ascetics and devotees began their 45-day Kalpavas, committing to a life of meditation and prayer by the riverbanks.

The Maha Kumbh's global appeal drew foreign devotees as well. Francisco, a yoga practitioner from Brazil, described his experience as transformative. “I came to India seeking peace and spiritual enlightenment. Taking a dip here is an unforgettable experience. Jai Shri Ram,” he said.

Chaos Amidst Devotion

Amid the crowd's energy, there were moments of chaos as families got separated. At the 'Khoya-Paya' (Lost and Found) counters, frantic announcements about missing devotees echoed. Ramesh Tiwari from Kanpur recounted, “I lost my eight-year-old daughter in the crowd. I’ve been searching for her for hours.” By evening, over 200 missing persons were reunited with their families.

Managing such an immense gathering is a mammoth task. Over 60,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces and commandos, ensured safety across the venue. Police officers used loudspeakers to guide the crowd, and medical teams were stationed to address emergencies. “Our focus is to ensure every pilgrim can take a dip safely,” said a senior police official.

A Rare Celestial Moment

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

Despite the physical challenges, the Maha Kumbh is a testimony to the unwavering power of faith. “This is not just a ritual; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cleanse our sins and connect with the divine,” said Mukesh Pandey from Gorakhpur.

As millions of devotees stood by the Sangam, their prayers rising with the mist from the holy waters, the Maha Kumbh 2025 became more than a pilgrimage—it became a celebration of human resilience, unity, and unyielding faith.