Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga river on the first day of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday.
MAHAKUMBH NAGAR: The Maha Kumbh Mela commenced at Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers — on Monday with more than 40 lakh people from different walks of life taking the first holy dip.
“Till 9. 30 am, around 60 lakh pilgrims had taken dip,” the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement.
The state government also said that a large number of devotees from India and abroad were seen at the Sangam Ghat.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the Maha Kumbh to be held from January 13 to February 26 will elevate India’s ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence.
“Where there is a confluence of cultures, there is also a confluence of faith and harmony. Maha Kumbh-2025 is giving the message of ‘unity in diversity’, Prayagraj is providing an encounter with Sanatan along with the welfare of humanity,” he said.
Describing it as a very special day for those who cherish Indian values and culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the massive religious event embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage.
“A very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture! Maha Kumbh 2025 commences in Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony,” he said.
The prime minister said that he was happy to see Prayagraj abuzz, with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip and seeking blessings.
He wished the pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay.
Speaking about the significance of ‘Paush Purnima’, Ashutosh Varshney, the convenor of Prayagraj-based NGO Ram Naam Bank, said the occasion occurs on the 15th day of ‘Shukla Paksh’ in the Hindu calendar month of ‘Paush’. It also marks the initiation of ‘Kalpvasa’, a period of intense spiritual practice and devotion observed by pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh Mela, he added.
The holy city of Prayagraj is now welcoming saints, seers, pilgrims, devotees and citizens from different walks of life.
Nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Mahakumbh Nagar on Sunday, a day ahead of the ‘Paush Purnima’, the authorities said.
Earlier on Saturday, 33 lakh devotees visited the Mela to bathe in the Sangam, Director Information Shishir said, adding over 85 lakh people had bathed in the river in the past two days.