The Maha Kumbh Mela officially commenced at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, in Prayagraj on Monday. Over 40 lakh devotees from all walks of life participated in the first holy dip, marking the beginning of this grand spiritual event. The Mela, which will run from January 13 to February 26, is expected to showcase India’s rich cultural and religious traditions on the global stage.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed that the Maha Kumbh Mela would elevate India’s ancient cultural heritage and religious practices to international prominence. He highlighted the event’s significance and the immense participation of devotees in this year’s gathering.
Maha Kumbh Mela officer Vijay Kiran Anand confirmed that more than 40 lakh people have already taken the holy dip, with many pilgrims arriving from various parts of the country and beyond.
The ‘Poush Purnima’ dip, held on the 15th day of ‘Shukla Paksha’ in the Hindu calendar month of Paush, marks the beginning of ‘Kalpvasa,’ a period of intense spiritual devotion. Ashutosh Varshney, the convenor of Prayagraj-based NGO Ram Naam Bank, explained that this time is dedicated to intense prayer and spiritual practices by pilgrims, which is a key part of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The holy city of Prayagraj is currently bustling with the arrival of saints, seers, and devotees, all participating in the spiritual festivities. On Sunday, nearly 50 lakh devotees gathered at the Sangam to take a holy dip a day ahead of the official Poush Purnima event. On Saturday, 33 lakh devotees had already visited the Mela, bringing the total number of people who have bathed in the sacred waters over the last two days to more than 85 lakh.
With the commencement of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj has become the epicenter of spiritual and religious activity, welcoming people from across the world to partake in one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
