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Prayagraj witnesses humanity’s most profound gathering

The Maha Kumbh began in the morning with the 'Shahi Snan' on Paush Purnim today

Open | 13 Jan, 2025

An estimated 35 million people took a dip on the day of the Shahi Snan alone. The holy men got first priority

In Prayagraj on Monday, this year’s Maha Kumbh began in the morning with the ‘Shahi Snan’ on Paush Purnima, marking a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years. As many as 35 lakh devotees took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the three rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.

Authorities expect the numbers to rise to an estimated 1.5 crore, as more people are anticipated to take a holy dip at the Sangam, where stringent security measures are in place.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X on the occasion: “I am happy to see Prayagraj abuzz with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip, and seeking blessings. Wishing all pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay.”

The Mahakumbh Mela, which started on Monday, will conclude on 26 February. Various bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) are planned on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

The Mela, the largest congregation of people on Earth, attracts millions of pilgrims, saints, and tourists from around the globe. A breathtaking spectacle of devotion and faith, pilgrims flock to the Sangam to cleanse and liberate themselves from sins. Thanks to its unparalleled scale and spiritual significance, the Kumbh stands as proof of humanity’s enduring quest for the divine.

This year’s Mela is considered far more colourful and grand because of the number of people expected to attend and the unprecedented arrangements to ensure the event is incident-free. The festival is also expected to generate significant revenue and boost the country’s economy. Meanwhile, many celebrities are in the tent city to take the holy dip. Among them is Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who has arrived in Prayagraj to participate in the Mela. The American businesswoman and philanthropist will stay at the Niranjini Akhara camp until January 15.