The Uttar Pradesh government has invited renowned artists from across the country to perform at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set to take place in Prayagraj from January 16 to February 24. The event promises a spectacular fusion of spirituality and culture, with performances by celebrated artists like Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan, Shaan, and Kailash Kher, among others, according to a press release by the Ministry of Culture.
Cultural Highlights
- The festivities will begin with a performance by Shankar Mahadevan on the opening day, while Mohit Chauhan will conclude the event with his soulful melodies on the final day.
- A host of prominent artists, including Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Kavita Seth, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Shovana Narayan, Dr. L Subramaniam, Bickram Ghosh, and Malini Awasthi, will also perform, creating a spiritual ambiance for devotees.
Preparations Underway
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently visited Prayagraj to review preparations for the event. He toured various akharas, met sadhus, and assessed the arrangements while taking a ‘Nishadraj’ cruise at Sangam Ghat.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak highlighted the extensive safety and medical arrangements in place:
- Deployment of 125 ambulances, including 15 with Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems.
- Use of air ambulances and seven river ambulances to handle emergencies.
Inspector General of Police Tarun Gaba stated that a 7-layer security scheme is being implemented to ensure safety.
“We are ensuring impenetrable and foolproof security here… We are also trying to utilise AI-enabled cameras and using a total of 2,700 cameras,” he said.
Spiritual Significance
The Maha Kumbh, celebrated once every 12 years, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, with over 45 crore devotees expected to participate. The event revolves around taking a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, believed to absolve sins and grant liberation (moksha).
Main Bathing Rituals (Shahi Snan):
- January 14: Makar Sankranti
- January 29: Mauni Amavasya
- February 3: Basant Panchami
The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26, marking the end of a spiritual and cultural celebration that bridges faith and festivity.