Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: 1 Crore Devotees Take Dip In Holy Sangam On 'Amrit Snan' Day

The 2025 Maha Kumbh, a significant religious event, has commenced in Prayagraj. Devotees have been gathering at the Sangam to take a holy dip where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said on Monday afternoon that approximately 1 crore people took part in this sacred ritual on the first 'Amrit snan' day.

The event is meticulously planned, with arrangements including 0.15 million toilets, 15,000 sanitation workers, and 2,500 Ganga Seva Doots (volunteers). The Mela area features 0.15 million tents and is illuminated by 69,000 LED lights, including solar hybrid street lighting. Additionally, there are 2,750 crowd-monitoring cameras and a 24/7 Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

Security Measures for Devotees

To ensure safety during the event, over 10,000 personnel from local police and paramilitary forces have been deployed. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has stationed a "water ambulance" at Sangam. This ambulance is equipped with medical facilities and staffed by doctors and NDRF officials to operate round-the-clock throughout the event.

DGP Kumar stated that police personnel are actively monitoring the area using drones. Underwater drones are also employed for security purposes. He confirmed no mishaps have been reported so far in Prayagraj or the state. Senior officials and the Chief Minister's Office are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Infrastructure for Smooth Operations

The Transport Department has ensured smooth operations for devotees arriving by road. Traffic flow remains unobstructed on all roads leading to Prayagraj. Any shortcomings identified in today's arrangements will be addressed to improve tomorrow's 'Amrit snan'. A floating police chowki has been established to assist devotees during this 45-day-long event.

The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Key bathing dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti - First Shahi Snan), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

Expectations for Maha Kumbh

This grand spiritual gathering is held every twelve years, with over 450 million devotees expected to attend this year. The event spans an expansive area of 10,000 acres at Triveni Sangam where thousands of devotees have already gathered for the holy bath.

Parking facilities cover an area of 1,800 hectares. There are also ten digital lost-and-found centres and around 25,000 workers on-site to assist visitors. The government has taken extensive measures to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.

The Maha Kumbh is celebrated after a gap of twelve years and marks a significant occasion for millions of devotees worldwide who come together in Prayagraj for spiritual rejuvenation.