Mahakumbh Nagar (UP): As dawn broke over the holy city of Prayagraj on a chilly Monday morning, the Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering, commenced with 1.5 crore devotees taking a sacred dip at the Sangam. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati became the focal point for millions seeking salvation, or ‘moksha,’ and spiritual cleansing of their sins.
The spectacle transcends religion and culture, merging spirituality, astrology, tradition, and modernity. With over 40 crore people expected to attend the 45-day-long festival, the Maha Kumbh is an unparalleled event of devotion and logistical planning. The 2025 edition is particularly special, as seers claim that celestial alignments for this Kumbh occur once in 144 years, adding an extraordinary dimension to the gathering.
The sprawling Sangam area was a kaleidoscope of devotion. Pilgrims chanted “Jai Ganga Maiyya” and “Har Har Mahadev” as they made their way to the sacred waters in the pre-dawn darkness.
Among them were ash-smeared ascetics from Himalayan caves, religious seekers from India and abroad, and the spiritually curious drawn by the sheer magnitude of the event.
Thirteen Akharas representing various sects added to the grandeur as their processions filled the air with chants, conch sounds, and the rhythmic beat of drums. Former US Army soldier-turned-ascetic Baba Mokshapuri, now part of the Juna Akhara, reflected on his transformation. “Life is impermanent. This is my first Maha Kumbh, and the spiritual energy here is overwhelming,” he said.
The international appeal of the Maha Kumbh was evident, with devotees like a yoga practitioner from Brazil who expressed his deep connection to Sanatan Dharma and Julie from Spain, who described the experience as “blissful.”
The Uttar Pradesh government has pulled out all stops to ensure the smooth functioning of this monumental event. “Spanning 10,000 acres, Mahakumbh Nagar is the world’s largest temporary city, accommodating up to 1 crore devotees at any given time,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said.
A digital tourist map and an AI-powered security system have been introduced for better crowd management and safety. With over 55 police stations, 30 pontoon bridges, and 45,000 personnel deployed, the logistics are as awe-inspiring as the event itself.
This year, the Maha Kumbh Mela has about 1,50,000 tents to house the visitors and is equipped with 3,000 kitchens, 1,45,000 restrooms and 99 parking lots. Indian Railways has added nearly 100 trains to make 3,300 trips carrying festival visitors, in addition to regular services to Prayagraj.
‘Bhula-Bhatka’ camps and police assistance centres have already reunited over 250 separated individuals on the first day alone, a nod to the times when Bollywood films often depicted siblings losing each other in the chaos of Kumbh Melas. Ajay Goyal, a pilgrim from Delhi, shared his experience. “We joked about the film trope of getting separated at a Kumbh Mela, and it actually happened. Thanks to the arrangements, we were reunited within an hour.”
Celebrating India’s Spiritual Heritage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Maha Kumbh in his message, calling it a “sacred confluence of faith, devotion, and culture.” The gathering, he said, symbolises India’s timeless spiritual heritage and unity.
Folk songs from Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharth Nagar added a melodious backdrop, while YouTubers from South Korea and Japan captured the vibrant spectacle for a global audience. Kailash Narayan Shukla, a pilgrim from Himachal Pradesh, praised the cleanliness and organisation of the event.
The Maha Kumbh’s origins are rooted in ancient mythology and the Rigveda’s tale of the “Sagar Manthan,” or churning of the cosmic ocean. According to legend, a pot (Kumbh) containing the elixir of immortality emerged during this event, sparking a celestial battle that lasted 12 days—equivalent to 12 human years. Drops of the nectar fell at Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar, giving rise to the tradition of the Kumbh Mela.
The first of the ‘shahi snans,’ or royal baths, is set for Tuesday, Makar Sankranti, when the attendance is expected to swell further. The final bath will take place on February 26, Mahashivratri, marking the culmination of the event.
The Maha Kumbh, with a budget of Rs 7,000 crore for its 45-day duration, is expected to significantly boost the state’s economy. The event could generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore if 40 crore visitors spend an average of Rs 5,000 each, with some estimates predicting up to Rs 4 lakh crore if the expenditure rises to Rs 10,000 per person. This will likely increase both nominal and real GDP by over 1 per cent.
Key economic drivers include the food and beverage sector, which could contribute Rs 20,000 crore, and religious items and offerings, adding another Rs 20,000 crore. Transportation and logistics are expected to generate Rs 10,000 crore, while tourism services like tour guides and travel packages may contribute Rs 10,000 crore. Additional sectors such as medical camps, Ayurvedic products, digital services, and entertainment are projected to bring in Rs 3,000 crore, Rs 1,000 crore, and Rs 10,000 crore, respectively, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).