Mahakumbh 2025: 10 Crore Devotees Expected To Take Holy Dip On Mauni Amavasya

The Uttar Pradesh government announced that over 15 crore pilgrims have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the Mahakumbh over the past 17 days. On Wednesday, around 10 crore devotees are expected to visit Prayagraj for Mauni Amavasya. This event is part of the ongoing Mahakumbh festival.

To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, Indian Railways has devised an extensive plan for the 'Amrit Snan', the most sacred ritual of the Mahakumbh. "We have done meticulous planning and learned from our experience on 13-14 January... 60 special trains in addition to the pre-decided number will be running tomorrow... 190 special trains will be plying. 110 regular trains on that route will run as usual. Train will be available every 4 minutes from Prayagraj, and this is a great achievement," Railway Board chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Satish Kumar told ANI.

Security Measures Enhanced

Security has been significantly heightened with personnel stationed at every corner, aided by AI-powered CCTV cameras and drones monitoring the Mela area. The region spans several hectares along the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. The state government has declared it a no-vehicle zone for a few days.

The district magistrate of Prayagraj, Ravindra Kumar Mandar, urged residents to use two-wheelers or walk to ease pilgrim movement. He advised using four-wheelers only if transporting senior citizens to the Sangam. This measure aims to facilitate smoother travel for visitors arriving from across the globe.

Amrit Snan: A Sacred Ritual

The Amrit Snan is considered the grandest ritual of the Maha Kumbh Mela, drawing millions worldwide to Triveni Sangam's banks. The procession of saints and ascetics from various akharas is a major attraction. Astrological combinations of celestial bodies determine its dates, believed to enhance spiritual power.

On Makar Sankranti alone, which fell on January 14, about 3.5 crore devotees participated in this sacred bath known as Amrit Snan. By Tuesday morning at 8 AM, over 45 lakh devotees had already taken their holy dip. The state government plans a flower petal shower from helicopters at 6:45 AM on Wednesday to mark Mauni Amavasya.

Mauni Amavasya: A Day of Silence

Mauni Amavasya occurs on Magh Krishna Amavasya in the Hindu calendar and is deemed highly auspicious among all bathing dates. It is believed that on this day, river waters transform into 'Amrit.' Known as 'Amavasya of Saints,' this bath is traditionally performed in silence.

"Officers and railway staff are deployed and on alert. We are taking updates from them every minute. The war room has been activated... We expect at least 10 crore visitors tomorrow... All our machinery is very active and in coordination with the state government... 8000-10000 RPF personnel are deployed for the ease of passengers in trains and railway station," Kumar added.