The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has seen an extraordinary influx of pilgrims, with over 389.7 million devotees participating in the sacred ritual of bathing at the Triveni Sangam since the festival’s commencement on January 13. This unparalleled turnout underscores the event’s profound spiritual significance and the meticulous preparations undertaken by authorities to accommodate the vast crowds.
The festival, spanning from January 13 to February 26, is anticipated to attract a record-breaking 4.5 billion attendees, including 1.5 million foreign tourists. This projection far surpasses the 2.5 billion devotees who attended the 2019 Kumbh Mela, highlighting the event’s growing global appeal.
The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented extensive infrastructure enhancements to manage the massive congregation. Developments include the construction of 14 new flyovers, nine permanent ghats, seven new bus stations, and 12 kilometers of temporary ghats. Security measures are robust, with the deployment of 37,000 police officers, 14,000 home guards, and 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Healthcare services have been bolstered to cater to the needs of attendees. A network of 6,000 beds across 43 hospitals has been established, complemented by air ambulances ready for emergencies. To maintain cleanliness, 10,200 sanitation workers and 1,800 Ganga Sevadut volunteers are actively engaged throughout the event.
The Mahakumbh 2025 also emphasizes inclusivity, with the participation of 13 Akharas, including the Kinnar Akhara, Dashnam Sanyasini Akhara, and women’s Akharas. Their involvement symbolizes a progressive approach to religious practices, promoting unity across caste, religion, and cultural diversity.
Despite the overwhelming success, the festival has faced challenges. A tragic stampede occurred on January 29, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals and injuries to around 60 others. The incident took place during the pre-dawn hours as devotees surged towards the confluence of the three rivers, where immersion is considered sacred. Authorities have since intensified safety protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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