New Delhi:
A huge crowd of devotees arrived at the Triveni Sangam – a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers – in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday morning to bathe in the ‘holy waters’, heralding the start of Maha Kumbh 2025 More than 40 thousands of pilgrims, many from all over India and the world, performed the sacred ritual ‘Shahi Snan’.
Expected to welcome around 45 million people, the 45-day Maha Kumbh festival from January 13 to February 26 will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. It takes place once every 12 years.
Maha Kumbh 2025: Devotees bathe at Triveni Sangam
Grand security arrangements for Maha Kumbh
The Uttar Pradesh Police have taken massive security measures around the city to ensure the safety of people during Maha Kumbh.
For the first time, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters have been deployed across the city to provide round-the-clock surveillance in the Sangam region, the Culture Ministry said. Tethered drones – capable of reaching heights of up to 120 meters – have also been deployed to provide aerial views to identify growing crowds or areas requiring medical or security intervention.
At least 2,700 cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that will provide real-time surveillance and facial recognition technology will be used at points of entry.
Besides, a team of 56 cyber warriors will monitor online threats and IT help desks have been set up in all police stations across the city.
Authorities have set up 150,000 tents to accommodate pilgrims, as well as additional toilets and sanitation facilities. At least 450,000 new electricity connections have been installed, and the Kumbh is expected to consume more energy than what 100,000 urban apartments in the region consume in a month.
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Several electric buses and state-of-the-art facilities have also been set up for the devotees. While the Indian Railways has introduced 98 special trains which will operate 3,300 journeys during the festival. In addition, authorities have undertaken the renovation of 92 roads, the construction of 30 bridges and the installation of 800 multilingual signs in the city.
For health facilities, temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities are set up.
Chatbot Kumbh Sah’AI’yak
The Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot is a cutting-edge AI tool, designed to provide real-time guidance and updates to devotees participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. It will act as a digital companion for the millions of devotees . Some of its key features include multilingual support, interactive engagement, personal browsing, and cultural insights. It can be accessed via the official Maha Kumbh 2025 mobile application or via WhatsApp.
Key dates, events, participants at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
During the six-week festival, devotees will participate in elaborate rituals, prayers and religious processions with elephants, as well as parades on horseback and floats. Some of the key dates include January 13 – the start of Maha Kumbh which coincides with the full Moon, January 29 – the “Mauni Amavasya” when celestial alignments are considered ideal for purifying the waters, and February 26 – when the celebrations end with a holy bath in the sacred waters.
More than 40 million devotees, including saints and celebrities from across the world, are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival. The wife of Apple founder Steve Jobs, Laurene Powell Jobs, renamed “Kamala” by her “guru” Swami Kailashan and Giri Ji Maharaj, is participating in the grand festival. According to Kailashanand Giri, she will stay in Kumbh and also plans to take a dip in the Ganga.
In the past, celebrities such as actor Richard Gere, director David Lynch and Tibetan Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama have attended the event.
PM Modi and other leaders on Maha Kumbh 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings to all pilgrims and tourists as the Maha Kumbh mela began.
“A very special day for millions of people who cherish the values and culture of Bharatiya! Maha Kumbh 2025 begins at Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies the “India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony,” he wrote on X.
A very special day for millions of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture!
Maha Kumbh 2025 begins at Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies the timeless spiritual heritage of India and…
-Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared photos from the Maha Kumbh mela on X.
“Where there is a confluence of cultures, there is also a confluence of faith and harmony. Conveying the message of ‘unity in diversity’, Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj offers an encounter with Sanatan as well than the well-being of humanity,” he said. said.
जहां संस्कृतियों का संगम भी है, श्रद्धा और समरसता का समागम भी है।
‘अनेकता में एकता’ का संदेश देता महाकुम्भ-2025, प्रयागराज मानवता के कल्याण के साथ ही सनातन से साक्षात्कार करा रहा है।#एकता_का_महाकुम्भ pic.twitter.com/kZt5xtBItW
– Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 13, 2025
Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said, “A momentous occasion for millions of devotees as the Maha Kumbh 2025 begins in Prayagraj, symbolizing the rich spiritual heritage and unity of our nation. This sacred gathering celebrates devotion, harmony and timeless traditions. pilgrims and visitors a peaceful and enriching experience.
