Millions of Hindu devotees have begun gathering in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as the world’s largest religious event, the Maha Kumbh Mela, officially starts. Over the next six weeks, an estimated 400 million people are expected to attend the festival, which is held every 12 years and carries the prefix “Maha,” meaning great, distinguishing it from the regular Kumbh Mela that occurs every three years in four different cities.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a significant spiritual event where devotees bathe in the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. This ritual is believed to purify sins and bring individuals closer to spiritual liberation. The festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, drawing from the legend of gods and demons battling over a pitcher of the elixir of immortality, with drops falling at the four host cities: Prayagraj, Nashik, Haridwar, and Ujjain.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes for the festival, said, “Mahakumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony.” Modi has invited people from around the world to witness this cultural spectacle, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity.”
The festival kicked off with the first Shahi Snan on Paush Purnima, with more than 6 million devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam. Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, noted that millions had already participated in the sacred ritual. Known for his provocative rhetoric against Muslims, Adityanath emphasized the spiritual significance of Prayagraj, a city he renamed from Allahabad in 2018 to reflect its Hindu heritage.
The event is also expected to boost local trade significantly. Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT, stated, “An estimate suggests that with an average expenditure of ₹5,000 per person during religious travel, the total spending will exceed ₹2 lakh crore. This includes spending on hotels, guesthouses, temporary accommodations, food, religious items, healthcare, and other services.”
Authorities have implemented extensive preparations to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. Approximately 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets, and a 776-mile drinking water pipeline have been established across a 4,000-hectare tent city. Enhanced safety measures include over 1,000 police officers, 2,700 AI-powered security cameras, aerial drones, and underwater drones for 24-hour surveillance. To manage the large number of pilgrims, additional transport services such as 3,000 special trains, 13,100 train services, and 7,000 buses have been organized.
The significant dates of Maha Kumbh Mela are Makar Sankranti Snan on 15 January 15 and the concluding Maha Shivratri Snan on 26 February.
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