Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 begins at Prayagraj with 'shahi snan': 10 things to know

The event began with devotees taking a holy dip at 3:20 am, a ritual believed to cleanse the soul and grant spiritual salvation.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 commenced on Monday at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, marking the start of one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers witnessed a large influx of devotees performing the holy ritual of ‘Shahi Snan’ on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. The event began with devotees taking a holy dip at 3:20 am, a ritual believed to cleanse the soul and grant spiritual salvation.

Unlike the regular Kumbh Mela, which rotates every three years across Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh is unique to Prayagraj and occurs once every 12 years. This exclusivity is linked to specific planetary alignments, lending profound spiritual significance to the event. The 45-day festival will continue until February 26, drawing saints, sages, and visitors from across the globe.

Mahakumbh Mela 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has projected an unprecedented turnout of over 40 crore people, making this the largest gathering of human beings in recorded history. To accommodate the massive influx, authorities have implemented elaborate plans for crowd management, sanitation, and security. Security personnel, including those patrolling on boats, have been deployed to ensure the safety of devotees during rituals.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Additionally, the Traffic Police have introduced detailed arrangements to manage vehicular movement and ensure smooth transit for pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela. With its combination of spiritual fervour, cultural heritage, and meticulous planning, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 promises to be a historic and deeply significant event for millions.

Here are 10 interesting things to know about the largest religious gathering in the world:

• The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest public gathering in the world, drawing ascetics, saints, sadhus, kalpvasis, and pilgrims from various walks of life. It serves as a platform for spiritual renewal, reflection, and purification.
• The Maha Kumbh Mela is held at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. This confluence holds immense spiritual and religious significance.
• The event traces its origins back to the 8th century when philosopher Shankaracharya invited scholars and ascetics for discussions.
• It is also linked to the mythical Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) and the search for the nectar of immortality.
• While the Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years at four locations - Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik - the Maha Kumbh, considered a rare celestial event, takes place only once every 144 years. This rare cycle is associated with specific celestial alignments involving the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, making it especially sacred.
• Authorities have set up 1,50,000 tents to house pilgrims, along with additional toilets and sanitation facilities. In response to the increased power demand, 4,50,000 new electricity connections have been established. The event is expected to consume more electricity than 100,000 urban apartments over a month.
• The Indian Railways has launched 98 special trains, ensuring over 3,300 trips during the festival. Additionally, electric buses and modern amenities have been put in place to provide comfort and convenience for visitors.
• Over 2,500 AI-enabled cameras equipped with facial recognition technology are stationed at key entry points for real-time monitoring.
• To assist with crowd control and surveillance, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters have been deployed in the Sangam area, with tethered drones flying up to 120 meters to monitor the event from above.
• Prayagraj has undergone significant improvements, including the renovation of 92 roads, the construction of 30 new bridges, and the installation of 800 multilingual signs to guide both domestic and international visitors.