Nearly 60 Lakh Devotees Take Holy Dip in Maha Kumbh

New Delhi: the Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest gathering, began at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Monday with tens of lakhs of people taking a dip in the Sangam in their quest for ‘moksha’ and the belief it will cleanse their sins. 

Spirituality and faith, culture and religion, tradition and modern-day technology… it all fused into one in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati in Prayagraj. More than 40 crore people are expected over 45 days in the mela, being held after 12 years. Besides, seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years, making the occasion even more auspicious for the faithful. 

And as the famed mela formally began on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’ to the sound of conch shells and bhajans, the excitement was palpable in the sprawling Sangam area as devotees — mostly in groups — walked towards the waters chanting ‘Jai Ganga Maiyya’.

“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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.

Ash smeared sadhus from their abode in the Himalayas, the religious from across the country and abroad and those just curious to take in the sights and sounds of the biggest religious spectacle of all… the 45-day Maha Kumbh beckoned them all.

Thirteen Akharas of seers from different sects are participating in the Maha Kumbh.