Mahakumbh 2025: World's largest spiritual gathering starts Jan 13 in Prayagraj, millions to take holy dip

On Sunday, nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Mahakumbh Nagar, a day ahead of the first bathing festival.
Drone shots of the Sangam area ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
Drone shots of the Sangam area ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.Photos | PTI
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LUCKNOW: On a chilly winter morning, while the skies are still awaiting the dawning sun to light them, millions of devotees, saints, and seers will descend on the ghats of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati. They will take the holy dip to mark the commencement of Mahakumbh 2025 on Monday.

On Sunday, nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Mahakumbh Nagar, a day ahead of the first bathing festival, Paush Purnima, authorities said.

This Mahakumbh, held after 12 years, is significant for several reasons. It begins with two extended Shahi (Amrit) Snans on Paush Poornima on 13 January and Makar Sankranti on 14 January. It also coincides with a Pushya Nakshatra, a sacred planetary alignment occurring after 144 years.

The sprawling 10,000-acre mela area has transformed into a fortress, fortified by a seven-ring security plan for the safety of pilgrims. Over 40 crore devotees are expected to attend the 45-day Mahakumbh, which will feature a month-long Kalpvas, a period of religious discipline for spiritual elevation.

There will be six Amrit Snans throughout the mela. After the first two on 13 and 14 January, the third will take place at Mauni Amavasya on 29 January.

This will be followed by the fourth on Basant Panchami on 3 February, the fifth on Magh Poornima on 12 February, and the final one on Mahashivratri on 26 February, which will mark the conclusion of the mela.

During each Amrit Snan, the 13 Akharas (Hindu monastic orders) will enter sequentially via one part of the Triveni pontoon bridge.

The seers of Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani will lead the first dip, followed by Shri Panchayati Atal Akhara, Niranjani, Anand, Juna Akhara, Panchnam Dhashnaam Avahan Akhara, Shambhu Panch Agni Akhara, the three Ani Akharas (Nirmohi, Digambar, and Nirwani), Naya Udaseen, Bada Udaseen Akhara, and finally Panchayati Akhara Nirmal.

After the akharas, common devotees will be allowed to take the holy dip. Mela authorities estimate an average of over two crore devotees on Amrit Snan days, except for Mauni Amavasya, when eight to ten crore are expected.

On Paush Poornima, at least one crore devotees are anticipated, while Makar Sankranti is expected to draw three crore pilgrims.

Drone shots of the Sangam area ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
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This Mahakumbh will also witness around 12,000 sanyasis from various akharas being accorded the status of ‘Naga Sanyasi’.

These are saints who renounce worldly attachments, performing their own and their parents' ‘Pind Daan’ before embarking on a life of hermitage. Many of these Naga Sanyasis will belong to the four large akharas—Juna, Niranjani, Mahanirvani, and Bada Udaseen.

For this grand event, a permanent ‘city of tents’ has been erected on the 10,000-acre mela premises within just two and a half months. The population of this temporary city is estimated at two crore, including 30 lakh Kalpvasis. Over a crore seers, mahatmas, and their disciples are also present.

Forty-one ghats along the Sangam will be used for bathing, with a separate ghat exclusively designated for saints of the Akharas during the Amrit Snan. Common devotees will not be permitted at this ghat. On all Amrit Snan days, devotees will be showered with flower petals.

Magistrates have been deployed at the ghats to ensure seamless bathing on Monday. Four IPS officers, two IAS officers, 16 SDMs, and COs have been tasked with managing the ghats, particularly at the Sangam Nose. Additionally, vehicles have been banned within the fair area to facilitate smooth movement.

For the safety and convenience of pilgrims, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced advanced weather services. Five newly-built weather stations will provide real-time updates every 15 minutes. A large digital display board has also been installed in the Sangam area, reflecting current weather conditions and forecasts for the next few hours.

This Mahakumbh promises to be a divine and historic spectacle, bringing together millions of devotees in an unprecedented spiritual gathering.

Drone shots of the Sangam area ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
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Drone shots of the Sangam area ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
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