Starting today, the 45 day long Mahakumbh, world’s largest religious congregation has begun with the ‘Shahi Snan’ in the ‘Sangam Nagari’ of Prayagraj. The city which lies at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati holds religious significance like no other. This year, the city is holding the grandest Mahakumbh mela which marks the completion of 12 Kumbh Melas. Thus, occurring once in 144 years.
Mahant Harichaitanya Brahmachari, head of TikarMafi ashram, explained the significance of this event to TOI. He said, “It is after 144 years that the positioning of all the four planets is in line, and three hours prior to Amavasya (January 29), importantly, ‘Pukh (also pushya) Nakshatra’ will also align with the four planets. Thus, the most auspicious of all the Maha Kumbh in the past 144 years is in 2025.”
Mahakumbh 2025: A Mela of Saints, Seers And Devotees..
The Mahakumbh begins with a record breaking turnout of around 60 lakh devotees taking the holy dip at ‘Triveni Sangam’ by 9:30 a.m. Devotees and saints from across the world have thronged the city, to be part of this once in a lifetime event. People from all walks of life have come to the city.
#BREAKING | Record turnout at #MahaKumbh2025 as 60 lakh devotees take the holy dip by 9:30 AM.
'This year's Kumbh is a confluence of modernity,' says Prashant Kumar, U.P DGP.
Watch as @Rishabhmpratap brings us live updates from Sangam Ghat. #Prayagraj #MahaKumbhMela2025 |… pic.twitter.com/j5W6wRRvBl
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 13, 2025
Devotees From Across The World Unite..
A Russian devotee who has come to attend Mahakumbh, shared her experience with ANI. She said, “…’Mera Bharat Mahaan‘… India is a great country. We are here at Kumbh Mela for the first time. Here we can see the real India – the true power lies in the people of India. I am shaking because of the vibe of the people of this holy place. I love India…”
#WATCH | Prayagraj | A Russian devotee at #MahaKumbh2025, says, "…'Mera Bharat Mahaan'… India is a great country. We are here at Kumbh Mela for the first time. Here we can see the real India – the true power lies in the people of India. I am shaking because of the vibe of the… pic.twitter.com/vyXj4m4BRs
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025
Expressing the beauty of the Mahakumbh, a Brazilian devotee said, ” I practice Yoga and I am searching for Moksha. It’s amazing here, India is the spiritual heart of the world… Water is cold but the heart is filled with warmth.”
#WATCH | Prayagraj | A Brazilian devotee at #MahaKumbh2025, Fransisco says, "I practice Yoga and I am searching for Moksha. It's amazing here, India is the spiritual heart of the world… Water is cold but the heart is filled with warmth." pic.twitter.com/as1oBQXmGl
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025
While a devotee from South Africa’s Cape Town, said, “It’s so beautiful. The streets are clean, the people are so friendly and happy… We practice Sanatan Dharm..”
Similarly, an Italian devotee Emma who is reportedly staying at the river bank, expressed her love for Indian culture. She said, “I feel I was an Indian in my previous birth…This is my first time visiting the Maha Kumbh. I am a yoga teacher, and many of my friends are Indians.”
She further added, “I deeply admire Indian culture, and I feel as if I was Indian in my previous birth. I love Indian music, bhajans, and kirtans. The arrangements here at the Maha Kumbh are excellent.”