Lagatar24 Desk
Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh, celebrated as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, commenced on Monday at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. Starting with the holy dip on Paush Purnima, the event will continue until February 26, drawing an estimated 1 crore devotees on the first day alone.
Grand Preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025
•Enhanced Infrastructure: Over 10,000 acres of land near the Sangam has undergone a significant transformation, including the creation of eight permanent ghats to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims.
•Aesthetic Upgrades: More than 3 lakh plants and 1 lakh horticultural saplings have been planted, enhancing the city’s beauty. Roads leading to the Sangam are adorned with LED butterfly lights and welcoming signs.
•Accommodation: Over 1.6 lakh tents have been erected for the devotees, ensuring a seamless stay during this spiritual pilgrimage.
Special Snan Days
•The extended opening includes Paush Purnima (January 13) and Makar Sankranti (January 14), with a cumulative footfall of over 4 crore expected in the first two days.
•The three Amrit Snan days are:
•January 29 (Mauni Amavasya): Over 5 crore devotees are expected.
•February 3 (Basant Panchami).
•February 12 (Maghi Purnima): Marks the culmination of Kalpvas.
Logistical Marvel
•Transport:
•Indian Railways will operate around 13,000 trains, including 3,134 special trains.
•UPSRTC has deployed over 7,000 buses, including 350 shuttles for seamless navigation.
•No-Vehicle Zone: The mela area has been declared a no-vehicle zone until January 14 for crowd management.
•Devotee Services: Arrangements include flower showers on major Snan days, as directed by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Significance and Spirituality
•Amrit Snan: Begins with the seers of Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Sri Panchayathi Atal Akhara taking the holy dip at 6:15 AM on Tuesday, followed by 11 other Akharas.
•The Sangam nose, expanded by 2 hectares, can now accommodate an additional 2 lakh devotees, ensuring a better experience for pilgrims.
With meticulous planning and infrastructure upgrades, Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to create a historical and spiritual landmark for the millions of devotees gathering at Prayagraj.
