Maha Kumbh mela begins with holy dip at Sangam Ghat, PM Modi extend wishes

The Maha Kumbh 2025 began on Monday morning. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, around six million devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam by 9:30 AM.

Prayagraj: As the world’s biggest religious fair, Maha Kumbh began at Sangam ghat in the holy city of Prayagraj on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the commencement of Mela, saying it a very special day for those who cherish Indian values and culture. Taking on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi posted, “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.”

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2025

In another post he added that he was happy to see a large gathering at Prayagraj, with countless people visiting at Sangam ghat to take holy dip and seek blessings. He wished pilgrims a wonderful and comfortable stay.

I am happy to see Prayagraj abuzz with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip and seeking blessings.

Wishing all pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2025

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

The Maha Kumbh 2025 began on Monday morning. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, around six million devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam by 9:30 AM. The Maha Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world which is held every 12 years. During which, pilgrims across the world come to Prayagraj to take holy dip at the Sangam Ghat, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. This ritual is believed to absolve sins and grant spiritual liberation (moksha). The main bathing dates, or (Shahi Snan) of the Maha Kumbh 2025 are set for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

Security Arangements

According to the Press Information Bureau’s press release, around 340 experts are monitoring the crowd movements in Prayagraj. Thousands of CCTV  cameras and drones have been installed for surveillance. Facial recognition is being used at entry points to make sure only registered people are entering. Four special fire trucks, called Articulating Water Towers (AWTs) equipped with advanced thermal cameras have been deployed in the region. In addition to it, underwater drones are being used for safety at the Sangam Ghat.