Maha Kumbh crosses 10cr mark on 10th day as pilgrims flock to Sangam for dip

PRAYAGRAJ: The ongoing Maha Kumbh has crossed the 10-crore milestone for pilgrims taking a dip in Sangam since the start of the worlds biggest religious and spiritual congregation on Jan 13, the UP govt said on Thursday.

The 10-crore figure was surpassed at 12pm on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Maha Kumbh, it said in the statement. By 8pm, the number reached 10.21 crore.

On Thursday alone, over 35 lakh devotees including 10 lakh kalpwasis took the holy dip. The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achieve- ment of 10 crore bathers reaf- firms these projections.

The volume of devotees was unprecedented since the first day of Maha Kumbh, and the two main snans – Paush Purnima and Makar Sankran- ti – drew a record 1.65 crore and 3.5 crore devotees, respective- ly. Apart from 13 akharas, the Mela area is showcasing the country’s diverse cultural ta- pestry as devotees from diffe- rent castes, creeds and count- ries unite in faith, embodying Maha Kumbh’s theme of unity.

Recognised as the largest religious and spiritual congre- gation globally, with seers, sad- hus, kalpwasis, and other de- votees camping in over 1.6 lakh tents in the Mela area spread in around 4,000 hectares.

Pilgrims from the US, Ca- nada, Germany, Russia, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia, Austra- lia, and beyond are flocking to the tent city, transforming the sandy banks of the Ganga into aglobal village.

The event’s cultural and spiritual significance earned it the status of Unesco’s In- tangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, further solidifying its glo- bal appeal. While the 2019 Kumbh, at- tended by over 24 crore devote- es, was a landmark success, the Mela administration is lea- ving no stone unturned to ma- ke the 2025 Maha Kumbh even grander.

With an emphasis on digital technology, enhanced safety measures, and cleanli- ness, the Prayagraj Mela Aut- hority has infused modernity into this ancient tradition. Ex- tensive arrangements for ac- commodation, dining and sa- nitation have been made to en- sure a seamless experience for millions of visitors.

The illuminated tents on the riverbanks at night create amesmerising spectacle while the serene environment fos- ters a sense of peace and spiri- tual solace. The sacred chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” resonate across the event, enhancing the spiritual ambience.

Readers Comments