MahaKumbhMela 2025 begins at Prayagraj with 'shahisnan':10 things to know

The day started with a KumbhShahiSnan at around 3:20 am. This is said to cleanse the souls of the devotees and grant resurrection on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.

While one MahaKumbh is conducted every 12 years in Prayagraj, the normal KumbhMela occurs at regular intervals of 3 years and is rotated in each of the 4 urban communities, for example, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj. It happens only every 150 years , which aligns the planets spiritually. Millions of saints, sages and pilgrims have participated in the festival that will lastuntil February 26.

With over 40 crore visitors expected, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate preparations for Mahakumbhmela 2025. It is believed to be the largest gathering in recorded history. To ensure the safety of all attendees, authorities have implemented extensive crowd management, sanitation and security measures. Troops, including patrols on boats, are deployed around the Sangam area.

Traffic and transportation arrangements have also been made accordingly. The Traffic Police have also introduced elaborate plans to regulate vehicle movement, and the Indian Railways has also announced the running of 98 special trains for the occasion to facilitate the journey for pilgrims. Visitors would have the convenience of electric buses and new facilities.

Such infrastructure upgrades have been seen in Prayagraj for the MahaKumbhMela. More than 1,50,000 tents have been put up, and new toilets have been constructed for pilgrims. Around 92 roads were renovated, 30 new bridges were built, and 800 multilingual signs were installed to help guide domestic and international visitors.

Advanced technology is also playing a key role in the festival. AI-powered cameras with facial recognition technology are watching all major entry points across the parking lot, with over 2,500 spread throughout the parking lot. Unmanned underwater vehicles and tethered drones will conduct surveillance for safety.

Combining spirituality, cultural legacy, and painstaking planning on an unparalleled scale, the KumbhMela 2025 looks to be a historic event.