The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj has witnessed an extraordinary influx of devotees seeking spiritual cleansing at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers at Triveni Sangam. As of Monday night, over 15 million people, including 1 million Kalpawasis, have taken the holy dip, with the total count since January 13 crossing 140 million, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Notable Attendees
Several prominent leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, joined the event on Monday, accompanied by spiritual leaders like Baba Ramdev. Union Ministers such as Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju have also participated, reflecting the event’s spiritual and cultural significance.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking after his dip, commended the arrangements made by the UP government and shared his profound experience. “Maha Kumbh is connected to the faith of crores of people. Taking a dip in the holy waters here is a significant moment in my life,” he said, expressing gratitude to the administration.
Global Participation
The Maha Kumbh has attracted international devotees, such as Antonio from Italy and Esther from Spain, adding a global dimension to this sacred gathering:
- Antonio, fulfilling his decade-long dream, described his experience as “fantastic,” emphasizing the spiritual blessings he felt at the event. He has previously undertaken a 2,000-kilometer pilgrimage on foot, deepening his connection to Indian spirituality.
- Esther, initially overwhelmed by the crowds, shared how she eventually found herself immersed in the spiritual energy of the Kumbh, stating, “I’m feeling great right now.”
Significance of the Maha Kumbh Mela
Held every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is rooted in Sanatan Dharma and signifies a celestial alignment believed to create an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and devotion. The event, running from January 13 to February 26, is expected to attract over 450 million visitors, making it a historic occasion for India.
This grand religious congregation underscores India’s rich spiritual heritage and its enduring appeal across the globe.