GUWAHATI, Jan 13: The Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious congregation in the world, got underway in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district today with lakhs of devotees taking a dip in the river Ganga on the first ‘Shahi Snan’ on Makar Sankranti.
Devotees assembled at the Ganga river banks and took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, with the belief that the ‘Shahi Snan’ will wash away sins and help attain salvation or moksha.
As many as 40 lakh devotees, reports quoting government data said, took a dip at Triveni Sangam till 8 am today.
The Uttar Pradesh Government, which has made elaborate arrangements for the 25-day event which will conclude on February 26, is expecting around 45 crore devotees — including lakhs of foreign tourists — to attend the event which is taking place after a gap of six years although according to seers the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while wishing everyone on the commencement of the event said “Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony.”
“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 posted on ‘X’.
