PRAYAGRAJ: More than 1.7 crore devotees immersed themselves in the bone-chilling waters of Sangam as Maha Kumbh 2025 began Monday with the sacred bath on Paush Purnima, turning the frigid confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati in Prayagraj into a sanctuary of warmth, spirituality and cultural heritage.
Amid chants, meditation, and prayers, the spiritual fervour was palpable. Rose petals rained down on pilgrims from helicopters, enhancing the divine atmosphere as many continued towards the Triveni Sangam for their holy bath even after sundown.
PM Narendra Modi lauded Maha Kumbh as the breathing example of India’s spiritual legacy and a celebration of faith and harmony. UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath described it as a symbol of India’s cultural unity in diversity.
The ceremonial bath, which marked the 45-day event’s formal beginning, started at dawn and continued until dusk, with chants of “Har Har Gange” filling the air.
With the temperatures plummeting to 10° Celsius, the foggy morning did not deter the faithful. They marched in unending queues to the 10,000-acre mela area, driven by devotion and the unique alignment of Paush Purnima followed by Makar Sankranti — a rarity that has amplified the huge influx of pilgrims.
Though Kumbh Mela is a duodecennial event, this year’s is considered particularly auspicious as it aligns with a celestial event that occurs only once every 144 years. Over 85 lakh had already taken the holy dip in the days leading up to Monday.
A larger crowd is expected on Makar Sankranti (Tuesday), when the Amrit Snan of akharas will take place.
Security was tight, with 50,000 personnel ensuring safety as devotees flowed to the 41 ghats spread over 12km. ADG (Prayagraj) Bhanu Bhaskar said: “The first snan of Paush Purnima passed off peacefully.” Pilgrims from Bihar, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and many other states joined the throng, their spirits unshaken by the cold.
At the riverbank, scenes of deep faith unfolded — a couple stood waist-deep in water, fingers entwined, while a woman offered water to the rising sun. Nearby, an ascetic stood immersed in the river, eyes closed in reverence, as children played around him. The event brought together spiritual seekers and religious leaders.
International visitors added to the diversity. South Korean YouTubers captured the vibrant spectacle, while Japanese tourists explored its spiritual essence with guides. Devotees from Europe, Russia, and America also participated, enthralled by the festival’s unity and faith.
The Kalpvasis, known for their austere spiritual discipline, began their 30-day retreat on Paush Purnima. Their vows and prayers aimed at personal spiritual growth and the welfare of humanity added a profound dimension to Maha Kumbh’s sanctity.
