close_game
close_game
K Sandeep Kumar

K Sandeep Kumar is a Special Correspondent of Hindustan Times heading the Allahabad Bureau. He has spent over 16 years reporting extensively in Uttar Pradesh, especially Allahabad and Lucknow. He covers politics, science and technology, higher education, medical and health and defence matters. He also writes on development issues.

Articles by K Sandeep Kumar

Geo-tube tech powers Mahakumbh; 3,660 MLD water treated & released to Ganga

With the religious fair in full swing and two major bathing festivals—Maghi Purnima and Maha Shivaratri—still to come, the initiative aims to maintain the sacred river’s purity for devotees.

The Geo-Tube plant at Rajapur in Prayagraj (HT)
Published on Feb 07, 2025 06:22 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar

Transgender artists get platform to showcase talent at Mahakumbh

Art pieces created on Sangam banks set to be showcased in Kinnar Akhada camp and also across country

Bollywood actress Kubra Sait admiring art works at Kinnar Akhada during the Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj. (sourced)
Published on Feb 06, 2025 08:56 AM IST
By, Prayagraj

Mahakumbh on a different note: Rare musical instruments from across country wow visitors

Endangered musical instruments like Rashan Chowki, Purni Baja, Tubki, Dhol Piphi, Naradi Mridang and Santhali Manar can be seen in the exhibition which will continue till February 26

Rare and under threat Musical instruments in display at Mahakumbh (HT Photo)
Published on Feb 04, 2025 09:10 PM IST
By, Prayagraj

Muslim bandmasters lead akhada processions for Amrit Snan

As the tent city geared up for the third and last Amrit Snan of the Mahakumbh on Basant Panchami, bandmasters and their groups waited patiently near bonfires set up outside the akhada camps to help them beat the early morning chill.

A band with a Muslim bandmaster leads a procession of an akhada for the Basant Panchami Snan, in Prayagraj on Monday. (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)
Published on Feb 04, 2025 09:12 AM IST
By, Prayagraj

Mahatyagi sadhus ignite 18-yr spiritual journey with ‘Dhuni Puja’ in Mahakumbh

This ancient ritual, initiated only on Basant Panchami, continues in various ashrams across the country, including Chitrakoot, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.

Sadhus performing Dhuni Puja at their camps near Khak Chowk of tent city in Mahakumbh-2025 on Monday. (Anil Kumar Maurya/ HT Photo)
Published on Feb 03, 2025 09:41 PM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Final Amrit Snan today; akhadas plan grand show

The Amrit Snan of the akhadas will be held as per the time fixed by the administration for the Mauni Amavasya Snan on January 29

An illuminated view of Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Sunday. (ANI)
Published on Feb 03, 2025 07:44 AM IST
By, Prayagraj

Bridging religious divide, Sangam city residents provide succour to pilgrims

The sentiment powering this aid effort was ‘these are our guests and we must help them in their time of need’.

Tea and food being offered to tired pilgrims in Prayagraj on Thursday (Sourced)
Updated on Jan 31, 2025 09:05 PM IST
By, Prayagraj

Decongestion plan rolled out for better crowd control in Sangam City

Influx of pilgrims stopped by holding back people in the designated holding areas, outflow of people returning home after the bathing expedited

Pilgrims during Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya during the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday. (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT Photo)
Published on Jan 30, 2025 08:48 AM IST

Not first Kumbh to be marred by tragedy

The Mahakumbh-2025 saw a deadly stampede on Mauni Amavasya, echoing past tragedies at Kumbh Melas, including 42 deaths in 2013 and 800 in 1954.

Tragedy struck early on Mauni Amavasya at the Sangam nose, at the Mahakumbh on Wednesday. (HT Photo)
Updated on Jan 29, 2025 09:51 PM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh stampede: Akhadas display restraint, allow pilgrims to bathe first

Sadhus of 13 Akhadas, including Naga ascetics, showed restraint post-stampede at Sangam, postponing rituals for pilgrims before bathing later.

Sadhus of Akhadas return to their camps after the stampede at Mahakumbh, early on Wednesday morning (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)
Updated on Jan 29, 2025 09:30 PM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Akhadas’ bathing time shifted from 5 am to 4 am to manage crowd surge

As per the amended schedule of bathing decided by the mela administration in tune with the senior sadhus of the Akhadas, this time Mahanirvani and Atal Akhadas will leave their camps for the bathing ghats at 4:00 am

A pilgrim performs rituals before taking a holy dip in the Ganges River at Dashashwamedh Ghat during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 28 (AFP)
Published on Jan 29, 2025 09:30 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar

On Mauni Amavasya, Mahakumbh Nagar is the world’s most populated district

The Mahakumbh Nagar DM said that they expect 10 crore devotees to arrive in the fair area on Mauni Amavasya.

Heavy rush of pilgrims in Sangam City a day before Mauni Amavasya . (HT Photo)
Published on Jan 29, 2025 02:33 AM IST

Buddhists from 10 nations also attending Mahakumbh

They have come from Russia, Mongolia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan among other nations

Buddhists at their camp in Mahakumbh Nagar on banks of Sangam in Prayagraj. (Anil K Maurya/HT)
Updated on Jan 28, 2025 06:06 AM IST
By, Prayagraj

Mega kitchens of Mahakumbh: 40,000 rotis in an hour, 40 quintals of curry at one go

Large scale arrangements have been made in the Annakshetras (feeding areas) to provide food and prasad to such a large number of devotees

The automatic machines in the kitchen of Akshaya Patra’s camp located in Sector 6 of the tent city in the mela area in Prayagraj. (HT Photo)
Updated on Jan 26, 2025 08:02 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Stage set for R-Day celebrations at Mahakumbh

76th Republic Day will be celebrated in Sangam area during Mahakumbh-2025, with flag hoisting, cultural events, and patriotic presentations.

A sadhu walking in Mahakumbh Nagar carrying a religious flag and the Tricolour together. (HT photo)
Updated on Jan 25, 2025 09:09 PM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Ex-Bollywood star Mamta Kulkarni becomes Maha Mandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada

Known for her bold and glamorous roles in the 1990s, Mamta’s transition from the glitzy world of Bollywood to a spiritual leader took place with the ‘sanyas diksha’ (monkhood initiation) at Sangam

Mamta Kulkarni will now be known by her new name: Shri Yamai Mamata Nand Giri. (HT)
Updated on Jan 25, 2025 06:04 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar

Mauni Amavasya preps: Zonal ghats designated for bathing, no VIP motorboats and more

Specific routes and ghats have been assigned for pilgrims from different regions to minimize crowding.

Newly-initiated Naga Sadhus, or Hindu holy men, take a dip in the sacred waters of the river Ganges after participating in religious rituals during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 24, 2025. (Niharika KULKARNI / AFP)
Updated on Jan 25, 2025 05:56 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar

Donations embrace the ‘smart path’ in digital Mahakumbh-2025

From religious institutions to sadhus, a large number of them have come up with QR codes to enable pilgrims, patrons, and tourists to make donations to them through the smart digital route.

QR code pasted atop a donation box in the temple of Lord Jagannath at Sector 19 of the mela area. (HT)
Updated on Jan 24, 2025 05:04 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar

Mahakumbh: Atonement rooms prepare pilgrims for sacred fire rituals

Yagnas, an ancient Hindu practice, involve offering ghee, grains, and other materials into a sacred fire. These offerings, believed to bring blessings and purification, are a symbolic connection between devotees and divine forces.

Yagna being performed at the camp of a sadhu in mela area during Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj. (HT Photo)
Published on Jan 21, 2025 09:33 PM IST
By, Prayagraj

Sadhus who left behind success for spirituality

Many former professionals, including athletes and engineers, have embraced asceticism at the Kumbh Mela, dedicating their lives to Sanatan Dharma.

Mahamandaleshwar Chetna had cleared the UPSC Mains Civil Services Examination. She says she took sanyas initiation when she understood that she can serve the world better as a sanyasin. (HT)
Updated on Jan 20, 2025 07:24 AM IST
By, Prayagraj

Mahakumbh: Products from pan-UP drawing crowd in ODOP Expo, sale of 35 crore expected

Stalls of major products of almost all 75 districts of the state have been set up in the exhibition.

A stall at ODOP expo at Mahakumbh, in Prayagraj. (ANIL KUMAR MAURYA/HT)
Updated on Jan 19, 2025 07:04 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh: 800 sadhus initiated as Naga ascetics by Juna Akhada, perform ‘Pind Daan’ for generations

This ceremony extended from Saturday morning until past midnight, culminating in each sadhu receiving certificates after being initiated by the Akhada head, Acharya Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, at midnight.

Sadhus of Juna Akhada during the initiation ceremony to become Naga ascetics on banks of Ganga near Sangam during Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj on Saturday. (ANIL KUMAR MAURYA/HT)
Updated on Jan 19, 2025 06:56 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh-2025: Over 1,000 women set to be ordained, gain entry into Akhadas

At Mahakumbh 2025, over 1,000 women ascetics will receive 'sanyas diksha,' marking a historic shift in Sanatan Dharma's traditions.

Women sadhus of Juna Akhada at Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj. (HT photo)
Updated on Jan 19, 2025 05:02 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

2,500-year-old Persian technique powers Mahakumbh’s lifeline

Mahakumbh 2025 features innovative pontoon bridges, spanning 4,000 hectares, connecting 25 sectors, blending ancient techniques with modern engineering.

The pontoon bridges interconnecting the tent city at Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)
Updated on Jan 18, 2025 07:50 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar

For Naga sadhus, their weapons are symbols of ‘peace’

Naga sadhus showcase sacred weapons at Mahakumbh Mela, symbolizing peace and security, while honoring ancient traditions and bravery of Akhadas.

Ancient weapons near the Dharam dhwaja at Juna Akhada’s camp in Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)
Updated on Jan 18, 2025 07:34 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Jangam sadhus enchant as ‘wandering shrines of Lord Shiva’

A visit by ‘Jangam’ sudhus to a household is considered equivalent to a visit from Lord Shiva himself, and they are regarded as superior to fixed lingas (stone idols installed in temples).

Jangam sadhus (in white attire) at a camp in Mahakumbh Nagar on banks of Sangam in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)
Updated on Jan 16, 2025 05:26 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar

12,000 Naga sadhus to be ordained at Mahakumbh

Rituals involve three days of spiritual austerities for aspirant sadhus ahead of the ordination ceremony; Juna, Niranjani and Mahanirvani Akhadas begin preparations

Hundreds of sadhus attending the ordination ceremony of the Juna Akhada in the freezing cold during Kumbh Mela-2019 (HT File Photo)
Updated on Jan 16, 2025 05:00 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh: The mystic world of Naga sadhus and their 17 ‘shringar’

Naga sadhus prepare for Amrit Snan by performing a unique 17 shringar, involving cleansing and smearing ash, before bathing in the Ganga.

Naga Sadhus in procession before the first Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh-2025 on occasion of Makar Sankranti on Jan 14. (Deepak Gupta/HT)
Updated on Jan 15, 2025 05:42 AM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Sadhus earns titles like ‘Jagadguru’, others for their knowledge, meditation

At Mahakumbh-2025, many sadhus display titles like 'Jagadguru' and 'Shankaracharya', reflecting their knowledge and penance, enhancing devotees' faith.

Vehicles of sadhus bearing their titles with pride in tent city of Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)
Updated on Jan 14, 2025 10:34 PM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Makar Sankranti@Mahakumbh: Trans sadhus take dip, pray for happiness, prosperity of nation

The Kinnar Akhada, along with their hundreds of trans community members, arrived in a procession of 51 ‘chariots’ at Sangam Nose

Sadhus of Kinnar Akhada and members of trans community led by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi taking a dip at Sangam during Amit Snan in Prayagraj on Tuesday (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)
Published on Jan 14, 2025 09:45 PM IST
By, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)
SHARE
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • ...
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, February 08, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On