Maha Khumbh Mela Starts Today Amid High Security, Here Are 10 Updates

Allahabad: The 45-day-long Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, commenced today (January 13), at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. This is the site of confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Millions of devotees, saints, sages, and visitors from across the globe are attending the event, which will continue until February 26. According to Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar, so far (till 10am) at least 60 lakh people have taken the holy dip on the first day. However, official figures will be released by the UP state government.

This year’s Mahakumbh is even more significant due to a rare celestial alignment called “Paush Purnima.” This celestial event occurs only once every 144 years.

The significant bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) are planned on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

Here are latest updates:

• • As of 7:30 am today, around 3.5 million people participated in the holy dip at Triveni Sangam, according to the Uttar Pradesh Government. Renowned singers, including Shankar Mahadevan and Mohit Chauhan, will perform. Shankar Mahadevan will perform on the opening day, while Mohit Chauhan will conclude the event.
  • M Yogi Adityanath’s Statement: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised the importance of Maha Kumbh 2025. He described it as a rare chance for people worldwide to experience the cultural and spiritual richness of Uttar Pradesh and India.
  • Grand yagna by Namami Gange: The Namami Gange team organised a large-scale ‘yagna’ at the Sangam on Sunday. More than 200 Ganga Sevadoots and thousands of devotees participated. They pledged to preserve the Ganga’s purity and flow.

• Safety measures: NDRF teams and Uttar Pradesh Police’s water police units have been deployed at the site.
• Technology at Kumbh: For the first time, 113 underwater drones capable of diving 100 metres have been deployed for continuous monitoring at the Sangam. Additionally, tethered drones reaching up to 120 metres in height provide aerial surveillance, helping to manage crowd density and respond to emergencies, reported the Business Standard.
• Cyber cops: Over 2,700 AI-enabled cameras with real-time monitoring and facial recognition features are installed at entry points. A team of 56 cyber experts is actively monitoring online threats, according to reports.
• Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said around 40,000 police officers and cybercrime specialists have established an AI-driven surveillance network to ensure crowd safety and assist with navigation, Reuters reported.
• QR code installation: More than 50,000 QR codes have been set up on electricity poles across the Maha Kumbh area to help pilgrims identify their locations and lodge complaints about electricity-related issues.
• Helicopter joyride: The cost of 7 to 8 minutes helicopter rides for an aerial view of Maha Kumbh has been reduced to ₹1,296 per person.
• Health emergencies: Three hospitals have been established at Aurai, Gopiganj, and Unj police stations on National Highway 19 in Bhadohi district for devotees traveling to Maha Kumbh. These facilities will become fully operational on January 14, reports stated