Maha Kumbh 2025 Kicks Off in Style in Prayagraj; Over 45 Devotees Expected to Attend

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, began on Monday in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as a massive crowd of devotees took part in the first 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) on the occasion of Pauh Purnima.

Footage from Prayagraj showed thousands of devotees gathering at various ghats in the city, immersing themselves in the waters of the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—to wash their sins and achieving salvation (moksha). According to government reports, around 40 lakh devotees took a dip in the Triveni Sangam at 8 am on Monday.

The 45-day Maha Kumbh, taking place after a 144-year gap, commenced at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers, with over 45 crore devotees expected to visit the event. Devotees from across India and around the world have begun arriving in Prayagraj to take part in this sacred ritual at the Triveni Sangam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said, "A very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture! Maha Kumbh 2025 commences 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."

"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," PM Modi said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also conveyed his best wishes to the devotees and stated, "Greetings on Paush Purnima. The world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering 'Mahakumbh' is starting from today in the holy city of Prayagraj. All the revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who have come to experience unity in diversity, to meditate and take a holy bath at the confluence of faith and modernity are heartily welcomed. May Maa Ganga fulfil all your wishes. Best wishes for the inauguration and first bath of Maha Kumbh Prayagraj. Sanatan Pride-Maha Kumbh Festival," Yogi Aditynathm, who is leading the Maha Kumbh preparations."

Before the grand event, state Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh assessed all the preparations and issued instructions to the officials.

He said, "2019 was Kumbh. This is Maha Kumbh, and in the last Kumbh, we received 24 crore pilgrims and this time we are expecting more than 45 crore pilgrims, including 15 lakh foreign tourists. Arrangements are also being made like that."

Singh added that the state budget for the 45-day-long mega event is around Rs 7,000 crore, and added that "the last Kumbh was known for sanitation. This time it is sanitation, security and digital Kumbh.

The Central and state government officials are working as a team to make Maha Kumbh a successful event and to give a satisfactory experience to the devotees, Singh said.

Maha Kumbh: A Fusion of Technology and Spirituality

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is showcasing a unique blend of technology and spirituality, with the use of modern gadgets to enhance the safety and security of the devotees.

According to UP Police, for the first time, an underwater drone has been introduced to monitor all activities beneath the water 24/7, ensuring the safety of those participating.

Additionally, AI-enabled cameras, along with teams from the PAC, NDRF, and SDRF, have been deployed on 700 flagged boats to safeguard the devotees. Remote life-saving buoys have also been strategically placed in large numbers.