Maha Kumbh set for auspicious start with ‘Paush Purnima’ today
Prayagraj (UP): Prayagraj is set to host the grand spectacle of Maha Kumbh 2025, billed as the largest gathering of humanity in one place. This 45-day spiritual festival, beginning January 13 with the first major bathing ritual, or ‘Shahi Snan’, coincides with the auspicious occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—the Sangam—will witness millions of devotees, saints, and seekers congregating in pursuit of spiritual solace and divine blessings.
This edition of the Maha Kumbh, held after a 12-year cycle, carries unique celestial significance. Seers assert that the astrological alignments for this event occur once in 144 years, amplifying its auspiciousness. This rare confluence of faith and cosmic significance is expected to draw an unprecedented 35 to 45 crore devotees from across the globe. In a preview of what’s to come, a staggering 25 lakh people took a holy dip on January 11, two days before the event’s formal commencement.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has heralded the Maha Kumbh 2025 as a celebration of India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. “This event will elevate India’s traditions to global prominence while integrating modern technology to ensure an enhanced experience for all visitors,” he said during one of his visits to Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is poised to showcase both the ancient legacy of the Sanatan faith and cutting-edge advancements in infrastructure and security, earning it the moniker of a “Digi-Kumbh.”
The festival site, spanning over 10,000 acres, has been transformed into a temporary megacity, complete with modern amenities. With a capacity to host 50 lakh to 1 crore people at any given time, the tent city includes 150,000 accommodations ranging from basic dormitories to luxurious Swiss cottages. Pilgrims will benefit from clean drinking water, 24/7 electricity, and advanced medical facilities.
A digital tourist map will guide visitors, offering real-time updates on crowd density and cleanliness. AI-powered surveillance systems and drones will monitor public spaces, ensuring safety and efficient crowd management. To safeguard against misinformation, the Uttar Pradesh government has set up 55 police stations and deployed 45,000 personnel, supported by continuous social media monitoring.
The Maha Kumbh is renowned for its Shahi Snan, a grand bathing procession led by ascetics from 13 akharas (Hindu monastic orders).
Adorned in saffron robes, ‘rudraksh’ malas, and carrying ceremonial tridents, the ‘sadhus’ march to the Sangam amidst chants of “Har Har Mahadev.” This procession is a spectacle of spiritual fervour, drawing millions who believe that a dip in the sacred waters cleanses sins and ensures salvation.
The tradition of ‘Kalpvas’, a month-long spiritual retreat observed by devotees, begins alongside the first Shahi Snan. Pilgrims observing ‘Kalpvas’ adhere to strict rituals, immersing themselves in prayer, meditation, and austerity. This ancient practice highlights the transformative power of faith and devotion.
Adding to the grandeur, thematic entry gates inspired by aeroplane models, shivlings, and crowns have been installed across the Mela area. These gates serve as landmarks, helping pilgrims navigate the vast grounds while enhancing the festival’s visual appeal.
The event holds special significance as the first Maha Kumbh since the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya in January 2024. The ongoing anniversary celebrations of this historic event in Ayodhya have further fuelled the spiritual fervour.
For local vendors and businesses, the Maha Kumbh is a time of prosperity. Streets lined with food stalls offer hot jalebis, kachoris, and steaming cups of masala chai. Ramesh Gupta, a seller of devotional items, shared, “This is the time when our livelihoods thrive. I’ve stocked special rudraksh beads and Ganga water containers because people want to take a piece of this divine experience home.”
Pilgrims from all walks of life, including international tourists, converge at the Maha Kumbh, underscoring its universal appeal. Meera Devi, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Varanasi, said, “I’ve been saving for years to come here. Just being at the Sangam fills me with peace and hope.”
Managing an event of this scale is a logistical challenge. Over 4,000 hectares along the riverbanks have been meticulously prepared to accommodate the influx of devotees. Thirty pontoon bridges have been constructed across the Sangam area to facilitate smooth movement, while barricades at key intersections ensure efficient crowd control.
The Uttar Pradesh administration has prioritised cleanliness and sustainability. A digital system monitors sanitation facilities, while eco-friendly measures, including waste segregation and recycling, are being implemented to minimise the environmental footprint. Social media plays a pivotal role in this digital era, with devotees sharing their experiences and offering virtual darshan to loved ones. “This Maha Kumbh is as much about connecting with our roots as it is about embracing modernity,” said Karan Kapoor, a project manager overseeing the tent city.
As the first rays of the sun illuminate the Sangam on January 13, chants of “Har Har Gange” will reverberate across Prayagraj. For millions, this sacred dip is more than a ritual—it’s a journey of redemption, unity, and spiritual awakening.
