Maha Kumbh 2025: World's Largest Gathering Begins, 6 million Devotees Take Holy Dip on Paush Purnima

Maha Kumbh 2025: World's Largest Gathering Begins, 6 million Devotees Take Holy Dip on Paush Purnima (Image: ETV Bharat)

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has officially commenced in Prayagraj, marking the beginning of the world’s largest religious gathering. By 9:30 AM on Paush Purnima, a significant 6 million devotees had already taken a holy dip at the Sangam — the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

This 45-day spiritual event, held once every 12 years, is expected to draw over 40 crore people, making it one of the most massive congregations on earth. The first major bathing ritual, known as the Shahi Snan or Amrit Snan, is set to take place tomorrow during Makar Sankranti, a key moment in the festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the devotees and the people of India on the beginning of Maha Kumbh 2025. In a message on social media platform X, he expressed, "A very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture. Maha Kumbh 2025 begins in Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion, and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony."

PM Modi further shared his joy seeing Prayagraj brimming with pilgrims and tourists, wishing all participants a memorable and spiritual experience. "I am happy to see Prayagraj abuzz with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip and seeking blessings," he said.

State Leadership Welcomes the Gathering

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also praised the event's commencement, calling it a proud symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. He emphasized the theme of "unity in diversity" and expressed his hopes that the pilgrims’ wishes for spiritual fulfillment through meditation and holy dips would be realized during their visit.

Given the scale of the event, security measures have been stepped up. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Uttar Pradesh Police’s water police are on high alert to ensure the safety of devotees. Patrolling is being done by boats and horses around the sacred bathing areas. Traffic police authorities have also planned for smooth vehicle movement to accommodate the influx of people.

For the convenience of devotees, various parking areas have been designated, such as Chini Mill Parking, Garapur Road, and Purva Surdas Parking. The entry route to the Sangam area will be via Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, while the exit route will be through Triveni Marg. Special arrangements have been made to ensure devotees' safety and a smooth flow of traffic, especially during the peak bathing days.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated once every 12 years, attracting millions of people from all over the world. This year, over 450 million people are expected to participate in this grand event. The gathering will culminate on February 26, marking the end of the religious festivities.

The event’s significance lies not just in the scale of the gathering, but in the spiritual fulfillment and the belief that a holy dip in the confluence of these sacred rivers will cleanse one’s sins and offer blessings for a better life.

Maha Kumbh 2025 is an extraordinary event that brings people together from different parts of India and the world to celebrate faith, devotion, and spiritual heritage. As millions of devotees gather at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, this grand festival of unity and harmony continues to stand as a testament to India’s rich cultural and spiritual values. The government and local authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that the festival remains a safe and smooth experience for all participants.