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Mahakumbh 2025 | Jan 15 highlights: 8-10 crore devotees expected on Mauni Amavasya, UP CM Yogi holds review meet

Mahakumbh 2025 | Jan 15 highlights: It has been only three days since the world's biggest religious congregation began at Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj and over six crore people have already taken the holy dip during the Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti festivals, considered key days for the snan or bathing ritual.
Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Devotees during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival, in Prayagraj. UP govt said that pilgrim footfall crossed 6 crore people in two days.
Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Devotees during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival, in Prayagraj. UP govt said that pilgrim footfall crossed 6 crore people in two days.

Mahakumbh 2025 | Jan 15 highlights: The Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj entered its third day on Wednesday, with lakhs of devotees braving biting cold conditions and dense fog to take the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. While Wednesday was not a major bathing day, devotees and religious sects from across the country and abroad gathered in large numbers to attend the Mahakumbh Mela....Read More

Mahakumbh 2025 | Key points

  • The Mahakumbh Mela, which kickstarted on January 13, will conclude on February 26. The next key dates for holy bathing are January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
  • The two auspicious bathing days that have already taken place were the first day of Mahakumbh Mela, January 13 and January 14, Makar Sankranti, when ash-smeared Naga sadhus led most akharas or ascetics' sects. The bathing ritual on Makar Sankranti was the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Mahakumbh.
  • On Wednesday, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level review meeting and stressed the importance of seamless arrangements to accommodate over 8 crore devotees expected to visit the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the holy dip during Mauni Amavasya on January 29.
  • According to a press release cited in a news agency ANI report, while reviewing the situation of the last three days with senior government level officials on Wednesday, CM Yogi said that more than 6 crore people received the holy dip in Triveni on the two major festivals of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti.
  • Schools in Prayagraj from class 1 to 8 will remain closed in Prayagraj on Wednesday, owing to the traffic congestion after the first 'Shahi Snan' of Mahakumbh on Tuesday.

Follow all the updates here:
Jan 15, 2025 10:12 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 live: When will Kumbh mela in Prayagraj end?

The Mahakumbh mela currently underway in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj will conclude on February 26. The Mahakumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years, started on January 13.

Jan 15, 2025 9:40 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 live: How govt ensured seamless communication for millions at mela

To ensure seamless communication for millions of devotees and visitors at Mahakumbh 2025, Department of Telecommunications has made several arrangements, upgrading the telecom infrastructure across the Mela area and key public spaces in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

Jan 15, 2025 8:26 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Airfares soar, Bengaluru-Prayagraj flight tickets 41% costlier

Airfares for Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj have jumped multi-fold on account of the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025, with the air ticket prices, for instance, between Delhi and the city hosting the mega fair, rising up to 21 per cent and flights from Bengaluru going 41 per cent costlier, as per reports. Read full report here

Jan 15, 2025 7:54 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Cleaning campaign starts as footfall crosses 6 crore

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: After the 'Paush Purnima' bathing ritual festival on the first day of Maha Kumbh and 'Makar Sankranti's Amrit Snan' on the second day, a large-scale cleanliness campaign has been started to clean the Sangam Ghat area.

The dirt on the ghats is being cleaned rapidly. Cleaning workers deployed on the ghats are engaged in removing all types of dirt while a campaign to clean toilets is also being run.

Jan 15, 2025 7:25 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Officials urged to prepare for 10 crore devotees' influx on Mauni Amavasya

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed officials to ensure seamless arrangements for the anticipated 8-10 crore devotees expected to participate in the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual at the Sangam in Maha Kumbh on January 29.

Reviewing the last three days' preparations for the Maha Kumbh with senior officials, the chief minister noted that over six crore pilgrims had taken the holy dip during the Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti festivals.

Jan 15, 2025 7:07 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Electric poles with QR codes to help lost pilgrims

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Electric poles have become essential tools in reuniting lost individuals with their families and guiding pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela here due to the innovative use of QR codes.

In a unique initiative, QR codes have been displayed on 50,000 electric poles throughout the Mela area.

A senior electricity department official said these codes can be scanned using mobile phones to pinpoint a person's geographic location.

Jan 15, 2025 6:09 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Mobile labs to check food quality at Maha Kumbh

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday announced the deployment of mobile laboratories to inspect eateries in the Maha Kumbh Mela area to monitor hygiene and safety standards.

Assistant Food Commissioner (Grade 2) Sushil Kumar Singh emphasised the use of 'Food Safety on Wheels' to prevent the distribution of spoiled or adulterated food to the pilgrims.

Jan 15, 2025 5:22 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Esri India launches Kumbh Webapp for ease of pilgrims

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: To help the pilgrims navigate easily at the Maha Kumbh Mela and have an enriching experience, Esri India has launched a Webapp, https://kumbhlocator.esri.in/.

The Webapp is available in Hindi and English. The GIS-based Webapp provides information about mela accommodations, snan ghats, parking, roads (with live traffic), weather updates, entry and exit points, lost and found centres, e-rikshaw stands, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, etc.

Jan 15, 2025 4:36 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Haryana man's journey from an IIT to Kumbh Mela

“I come from Haryana, I went to IIT, then changed to Arts from Engineering, that also didn't work so I kept changing and later I arrived at the final truth. Then, I started exploring...how Sanskrit was written and composed and what makes Sanskrit so special. I had a quest for knowledge...then it shifted...then the question was how the mind works and how you get rid of unwanted thoughts,” said Baba Abhay Singh from Juna Akhada.

Jan 15, 2025 3:45 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: 21-member team from 10 countries to take holy dip on Jan 16

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: A 21-member delegation from 10 countries invited by the Centre will take a sacred dip at the Sangam on Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Wednesday.

The international delegation includes representatives from Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The delegation has been invited by the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. Arrangements for the delegation's stay have been made at the Tent City in Arail, developed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation, it said.

Jan 15, 2025 3:20 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Budget ₹7,500 crore, revenue ₹2,00,000 crore expected in 45 days

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which began on January 13, is expected to garner 2 lakh crore in revenue, according to an estimate by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

The Mahakumbh, which is expected to draw around 450 million devotees over the course of 45 days, will likely cause an economic surge in the region, especially related to the tourism and hospitality industry. Read more

Jan 15, 2025 2:05 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Meet the ‘IITian Baba’ who left aerospace engineering for spirituality

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Abhay Singh, who studied aerospace engineering at IIT Bombay, arrived at the Mahakumbh, where he was dubbed ‘IITian Baba’, in the pursuit for knowledge.

After leaving his IIT degree and studying the arts, his journey led him to the Mahakumbh. “If you keep pursuing knowledge, where do you reach? This is where you reach,” he said.

The Mahakumbh has attracted several unique sages and devotees from all over the country.

Jan 15, 2025 1:40 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: ‘This is the power of India, Sanatan Dharma’ says Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati spoke to reporters at the Mahakumbh and stated that she was extremely satisfied and happy that PM Modi and UP CM Yogi put together the Mahakumbh.

“It is not only an event but a message to the world about how the world comes together in the name of peace, faith and devotion at the time of conflict and war. This is a ‘Shanti Sangam’,” she said.

Jan 15, 2025 12:58 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Devotional OTT platform gives free subscriptions to Mahakumbh attendees

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Hari Om, a devotional OTT platform, has given free subscriptions to all Mahakumbh attendees to celebrate the cultural significance of the mela.

Jan 15, 2025 12:23 PM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: PepsiCo helps electrify mela with Mountain Dew and Sting

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: PepsiCo which owns the beverages Mountain Dew and Sting, installed a 30-foot-tall and bright Mountain Dew bottle to electrify the area during Mahakumbh and help people navigate better.

It also provided 500 charging points under its brand Sting.

Jan 15, 2025 11:50 AM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Mela to generate trade worth ₹2 lakh crore

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: According to a report from the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the Mahakumbh is projected to generate trade worth about 2 lakh crore in the region.

Jan 15, 2025 11:29 AM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Top brands make their way to mela

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Major brands such as Dettol, Dabur, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, ITC and Reliance have set up camp ashrams, lined up their products, and are distributing samples at the Mahakumbh mela in order to engage with customers during the event which expects 450 million people to attend over the course of a month.

Jan 15, 2025 11:07 AM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: NDRF, drones and more, to maintain security for mela

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed "water ambulance" stationed at Sangam to ensure the safety of devotees.

Underwater drones and 2,700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed in and around the area for safety as well.

Several devotees praised the security arrangements made for the large-scale event.

Jan 15, 2025 10:40 AM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: I must have done good deeds in the past to come here, says Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati told news agency ANI on Wednesday that she must have done good deeds in her past life to be able to attend the Mahakumbh and extended her gratitude towards PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath.

She said, "I was thinking about what good deeds I did in my past life that I got this opportunity to attend this event. This is not only the Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, but it signifies the whole world as one family when people of many countries and races take the holy dip together.

Jan 15, 2025 10:20 AM IST

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Devotees attend a hawan at Paramarth Niketan Kumbh Mela Camp

Mahakumbh 2025 Live: Devotees as well as Spiritual head of the Rishikesh-based Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati attended a hawan at the aramarth Niketan Kumbh Mela Camp on the second day of the Mahakumbh.

Jan 15, 2025 9:39 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: 450 million attendees expected

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: The Mahakumbh which will take place over 45 days, is expected to garner 450 million attendees to take part in the bathing rituals and festivities of the event.

In the first two days of the event, 50 million devotees visited , reported news agency ANI.

Jan 15, 2025 9:13 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Devotees laud security arrangements

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Devotees participating in the Mahakumbh expressed their satisfaction with the management and security arrangements made for the event.

Vijay Katheria, a resident of Kanpur, told PTI, “My experience was good. Proper safety arrangements were made for the devotees and adequate police force was maintained from the security point of view.”

Others also echoed his sentiments.

Jan 15, 2025 8:51 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: More than 50 million devotees participate in ‘Amrit Snan’

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: More than 50 million devotees have taken the holy dip known as the ‘Amrit Snan’ since the Mahakumbh began on January 13.

The Mahakumbh is set to be one of the biggest gatherings in the world, and will continue for 45 days.

Jan 15, 2025 8:30 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: CM Yogi praised for Mahakumbh management

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Mahamandaleshwar Swami Rupendra Prakash Ji Maharaj on Tuesday praised CM Yogi Adityanath for organising the Mahakumbh in an orderly fashion.

“In the Mahakumbh of 2025, the management is very good. There is cleanliness. Water and electricity facilities are managed well... I did my first Kumbh in 1977, and after that, I attended all the Ardh Kumbh Melas. The management used to be very poor... The management is very well under the Yogi government,” he told ANI.

Jan 15, 2025 8:12 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: ‘Fortunate to be part of this once in 144 years celebration’ says BJP MP Sadhvi Jyoti

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: BJP leader Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti spoke to news agency ANI about his experience of the Mahakumbh as someone who has been attending the Mela since 1982.

He said, "I have been attending the Kumbh Mela since 1982. This time the experience is very different. A new city has been set up. We are extremely fortunate to be able to be part of this once in 144 years celebration. It was amazing to see the presence of our youth here in large numbers."

Jan 15, 2025 8:02 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: CM Yogi thanks departments for successful execution of 'Amrit Snan'

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday thanked all the departments and organisations responsible for the successful execution of the first 'Amrit Snan' of Mahakumbh.

"I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the revered akhadas, Mahakumbh Mela administration, local authorities, police administration, sanitation workers, volunteer organizations, religious institutions, boatmen, and all the departments from both the central and state governments associated with Mahakumbh," he said.

Jan 15, 2025 7:47 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Devotees take holy dip at Sangam on day 3 | Watch

A sea of devotees arrived at the Triveni Sangam on day 3 of the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

Jan 15, 2025 7:33 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Management 'been so good', says devotee

A devotee from Goa at the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela told news agency ANI that he took the holy dip in the Triveni Sangam and will now visit Ayodhya for the darshan of Lord Ram.

"I seek blessings for the people of Goa and the entire country... The management has been so good and the credit goes to the state and the central govt," he said.

Jan 15, 2025 7:30 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Devotees continue arriving at Triveni Sangam on day 3

Devotees continued to throng Triveni Sangam on the third day of the Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

On Tuesday, more than 3.5 crore devotees had taken ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers.

Jan 15, 2025 6:40 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Schools for class 1 to 8 closed in Prayagraj today

Schools for class 1 to 8 will remain closed in Prayagraj on Wednesday due to the traffic congestion after the first 'Shahi Snan' of the Mahakumbh Mela on Tuesday on Makar Sankranti.

On the orders of the District Magistrate, Basic Education Officer issued a public notice ordering the closure of all English and Hindi medium schools till class 8 on Wednesday, January 15, ANI reported.

Jan 15, 2025 6:37 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Saints hail UP govt over Kumbh arrangements

Saints and seers at the Mahakumbh Mela hailed the Uttar Pradesh government for its arrangements and "exceptional" efforts in the event.

"The arrangements made by the government for Maha Kumbh are remarkable and exceptional. I am extremely pleased with the well-organised and unprecedented management of the event, even with such a massive crowd. The government deserves appreciation for this effort," Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya was quoted as saying by PTI.

Meanwhile, Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, said, “This is a celebration for all of Sanatan Dharma, a festival of immortality and eternal truth. With ghats full, the Maha Kumbh embodies unity in diversity. People have come in millions, and millions more are arriving every day.”

"India, with its young and vibrant energy, has the potential to become a great nation. The Modi-Yogi leadership is paving the way for this transformation, creating a harmonious and secure environment," he added.

Jan 15, 2025 6:33 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Naga Sadhus lead the way

Naga Sadhus, known by their ash-smeared naked bodies and long dread locks, lead most of the akharas to the holy bath at Mahakumbh Mela on Tuesday.

As many as 13 akharas are taking part in the grand Mela, a PTI report said.

Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first ones to take 'Amrit Snan' on Tuesday.

Jan 15, 2025 6:31 AM IST

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Live: Over 3.5 crore take 'Amrit Snan' on Makar Sankranti

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday confirmed that more than 35 million (3.5 crore) devotees, including revered saints and seers, took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti.

In a post on X, CM Yogi shared pictures and wrote, "Heartiest greetings to all revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who took a holy dip of faith in the holy confluence on the auspicious occasion of holy 'Makar Sankranti' at the grand confluence of faith, equality and unity 'Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj'!"

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