Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 1.59 million Devotees Brave Chilly Weather, Dense Fog for Sacred Dip in Sangam on Day 9

Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 1.59 million Devotees Brave Chilly Weather, Dense Fog for Sacred Dip in Sangam on Day 9 (Representative Image/ PTI)

Undeterred by freezing temperatures and dense morning fog, more than 1.59 million devotees gathered at the holy Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the ninth day of the ongoing Mahakumbh. The Uttar Pradesh government reported that by January 20, over 88.1 million people had already performed the sacred ritual at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers.

On Tuesday morning, Prayagraj woke up to a thick blanket of fog, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording the minimum temperature at 11 degrees Celsius. Despite the inclement weather, flight operations at the Prayagraj airport remained unaffected, and thousands of devotees flocked to the Sangam ghats to participate in the holy tradition.

Speaking about her experience, philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty shared her excitement and joy at being part of the Mahakumbh. "This is ‘Teerthraj.’ I am extremely happy to be here during this extraordinary event, which happens once in 144 years," she said. Murty is on a three-day visit to Prayagraj to witness and participate in the celebrations.

The Mahakumbh, regarded as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, occurs every 12 years at four rotating locations in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The event holds immense significance for millions of Hindus, offering a chance to cleanse sins and seek spiritual renewal through the holy dip at the Sangam.

With meticulous arrangements in place to accommodate the massive crowds, the next major dates for the ritual bathing ("snan") promise to draw even more devotees. Despite the chilly weather, the Mahakumbh continues to shine as a symbol of India’s unwavering spiritual devotion.