The much-anticipated Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is set to begin on January 13 with a grand event that marks the start of one of the world’s largest human gatherings.
The 45-day festival will take place in Prayagraj, at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The event will kick off with the Shahi Snan (royal bath) on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.
The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees who gather for a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Sangam, believed to cleanse them of sins and bring spiritual salvation.
This year's gathering is expected to draw more than 400 million people from around the world, making it the largest gathering of humans in one place. The event will run until February 26, 2025.
As the date for the Paush Purnima approaches, the city of Prayagraj is undergoing extensive preparations. Security is a top priority, and authorities have intensified measures across key areas.
At the temples, throughout the Mahakumbh Nagar zone, and along the major routes leading into the city, strict checking and vehicle frisking are in place to ensure safety.
The government has deployed 45,000 police personnel, and 55 police stations are functioning in the temporary Mahakumbh district. With the presence of 13 akharas, or religious groups of seers, the event is set to be a mix of spiritual rituals, community gatherings, and religious fervour.
The day before the grand ritual, on Sunday, the Sangam banks saw a huge influx of devotees who arrived early to take a holy dip in the river.
The entire city is decorated with vibrant artwork and murals that depict various elements of Hinduism, including religious symbols such as the kalash (pitcher), conch shell, and depictions of Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) from yoga practices.
Crossroads in Prayagraj have received a major facelift, contributing to the spiritual ambience.
One of the key aspects of this year’s Kumbh Mela is the well-thought-out crowd management. Barricades are in place at several junctions and tri-sections to better manage the heavy flow of people.
To monitor the situation effectively, an Integrated Command and Control Centre has been established, supported by AI-enabled cameras to enhance security and surveillance.
The authorities are also taking steps to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrian traffic. With festivals like Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti coinciding with the start of the Maha Kumbh, a comprehensive traffic plan has been laid out.
The traffic police have devised strategies, including traffic diversions and parking arrangements, to handle the large influx of visitors.
For those travelling to the Sangam, the entry route will be through Jawaharlal Nehru Marg (Black Road), with the exit route via Triveni Marg. During peak bathing times, the Akshayavat Darshan will be closed for public visits.
This edition of the Maha Kumbh is a spectacular sight, with preparations in full swing to host millions of people. As people from all walks of life make their way to Prayagraj, they are drawn by a shared spiritual experience that has been taking place for centuries.
The sense of unity, devotion, and faith makes the event not only a religious gathering but a true testament to India’s cultural heritage and the spirit of togetherness.
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