Devotees gather to offer prayers during Mahakumbh MelaPhoto: PTI Devotees gather to offer prayers during Mahakumbh MelaPhoto: PTI The 45-day Mahakumbh Mela began on Monday on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj on January 13. Around a million devotees are expected to take a dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The Uttar Pradesh government is expecting 400 million visitors between January 13 and February 26, preparing for a logistical challenge of massive proportions.
As per reports, on the first day, around 1.5 crore devotees took the dip in the holy waters of Prayagraj.
State's chief minister Yogi Adityanath and state officials projected the Mahakumbh 2025 to generate Rs 25,000 crore in government revenues. Additionally, the event is expected to benefit local self-help groups, artisans, hoteliers, homestay owners, restaurant operators, and food vendors, with major brands such as Dabur, Mother Dairy, and ITC anticipated to spend Rs 3,000 crore.
The Bharatiya Janata Party government in UP launched 549 projects, ranging from infrastructure to sanitation worth Rs 6,900 crore for the Mahakumbh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the Mahakumbh represents India’s eternal spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony. n an X post, the Prime Minister said, "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. 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," he said.
UP CM Adityanath on Monday extended his greetings on the start of the Maha Kumbh, which he described as a “confluence of cultures and a message of unity in diversity”. “Greetings on Paush Purnima. The world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering ‘Mahakumbh’ is starting from today in the holy city of Prayagraj,” Adityanath posted on X.
“All the revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who have come to experience unity in diversity, to meditate and take a holy bath at the confluence of faith and modernity are heartily welcomed. May Maa Ganga fulfil all your wishes,” he said.
In addition to this, some commentary from leaders of other political parties ignited controversy. Chandrashekhar Azad, the national president of the Azad Samaj Party and MP from Nagina, said that the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj would be attended only by those who have sinned. During a visit to Saharanpur's MP-MLA court, Azad accused the media, police, and the judiciary of siding against weaker sections of society, asserting that his party fights for the rights of these marginalized communities, long discriminated against in the name of religion and community, reports said.
fruit party 2Azad sharply criticized Uttar Pradesh's governance, describing it as 'jungle raj,' accusing the chief minister of being dictatorial, and claiming an attempt on his life. He hinted that alliances among 'good people' could strengthen opposition to the BJP and confirmed his party's participation in the Milkipur byelection.
Hospitals And Other ArrangementsThe state government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure that the Mahakumbh Mela passes off without any untoward incidents.
Hospitals have been built at three police station premises on National Highway 19 between Varanasi and Prayagraj for the convenience of devotees coming to Maha Kumbh, reports said. Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik on January 12 said that hospitals have been built in Aurai, Gopiganj and Unj police station premises of the Bhadohi district. All the three hospitals will start functioning smoothly on January 14, Manglik said.
Other special arrangements have been made for visitors with 80 luxury tents, tour packages and rail connectivity. The Ministry of Tourism said it is setting up the Incredible India Pavilion, a sprawling 5000 sq ft space at Mahakumbh, which will facilitate foreign tourists, scholars, researchers, photographers, journalists, the expat community, Indian diaspora.
To cater to the specific needs of foreign tourists, influencers, journalists, and photographers attending Maha Kumbh, the Ministry of Tourism has set up a dedicated toll-free Tourist Infoline (1800111363 or 1363).
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The 2019 Kumbh saw participation of 240 million devotees, the Kumbh in 2016 saw 75 million visitorsnaga casino, the 2013 Kumbh had 120 million visitors.