Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 2.27 million Devotees Flock to Prayagraj on Day 8

Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 2.27 million Devotees Flock to Prayagraj on Day 8 (Representative Image/PTI)

The Maha Kumbh 2025 continues to witness an overwhelming turnout of devotees as the grand event entered its eighth day. According to official figures released by the Uttar Pradesh government, over 2.27 million pilgrims had gathered at the sacred Triveni Sangam by 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

Among the massive crowd, approximately 1 million Kalpvasis and 1.27 million other pilgrims took the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The fervent devotion of attendees remains undeterred by the city’s chilly weather conditions.

As of January 19, over 82.6 million devotees have performed the holy ritual of bathing at the Sangam since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13. The footfall is expected to rise significantly in the coming days, with four key Shahi Snan (royal bathing) dates yet to take place:

• January 29: Mauni Amavasya
• February 3: Basant Panchami
• February 12: Maghi Purnima
• February 26: Maha Shivaratri

Incident at Gita Press Camp

The seventh day of the Maha Kumbh witnessed an unexpected incident when a fire broke out at the Gita Press camp due to the explosion of three cooking gas cylinders. The fire engulfed nearly 70 to 80 huts and 8 to 10 tents in the camp. Thankfully, no casualties were reported in the mishap.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally contacted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to inquire about the situation and ensure prompt relief measures were in place. Uttar Pradesh Minister AK Sharma shared that around 100 people were present in the camp area when the fire broke out but, by the grace of Maa Ganga, no one was harmed.

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Vivek Chaturvedi, confirmed the details of the fire and assured the public that safety measures at the event are being reinforced.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which started on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has already drawn millions of devotees from across India and abroad. Known as one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, the event provides a unique opportunity for devotees to cleanse their sins and attain spiritual peace by bathing in the sacred waters of the Sangam.

Organisers are expecting a further surge in attendance as the Shahi Snan dates draw closer. Business seminars, cultural programmes, and spiritual discourses are also being hosted as part of the event, enriching the experience for pilgrims and visitors.

Despite occasional challenges, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 continues to be a testament to India’s rich spiritual heritage, attracting devotees in record numbers.