Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: The Mahakumbh entered its eighth day with an overwhelming turnout, as more than 2.27 million pilgrims visited the Mela on Monday morning by 8 a.m., according to official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Among the congregation at Sangam Triveni, over one million Kalpvasis and 1.27 million pilgrims took a holy dip by early morning. Since the Mahakumbh began on January 13, more than 82.6 million devotees have participated in the ritual bathing at the sacred confluence.
Despite inclement weather and chilly conditions, the turnout of devotees remains strong. “The weather doesn’t seem to have an effect on the footfall of pilgrims,” officials noted. Attendance is expected to rise in the coming days, with four major Shahi Snan (royal bathing) dates yet to occur.
The upcoming key bathing dates are:
- January 29 (Mauni Amavasya)
- February 3 (Basant Panchami)
- February 12 (Maghi Purnima)
- February 26 (Maha Shivaratri)
On Sunday, marking the seventh day of the Mahakumbh, over five million pilgrims attended the festivities. However, an unexpected fire broke out at the Gita Press camp due to the explosion of three cooking gas cylinders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern and spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation.
Uttar Pradesh Minister AK Sharma stated, “Almost 100 people were there in the shivir, but with the blessings of Maa Ganga, there has been no casualty.”
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of the Mahakumbh Mela, Vivek Chaturvedi, reported that approximately 70 to 80 huts and 8 to 10 tents were destroyed in the fire.
The Mahakumbh 2025 will continue until February 26, with millions of pilgrims expected to participate in this grand spiritual event.