As the Maha Kumbh Mela kicked off on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak extended a warm welcome to the millions of devotees attending the grand event. He assured that the state government had made comprehensive arrangements, ensuring both security and health for the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
“I wholeheartedly welcome all the devotees. The Uttar Pradesh Government has made complete arrangements. From security to health, all arrangements are in place. The government has made all necessary preparations to handle every situation,” Pathak stated while speaking to ANI.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 began early on Monday morning, with more than six million devotees already having taken a holy dip at the Sangam by 9:30 AM, as reported by the Uttar Pradesh government. Devotees from across the globe have gathered to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. The first major bathing event, the Shahi Snan (or Amrit Snan), will take place on Tuesday during Makar Sankranti.
The 45-day-long religious event is expected to witness the largest-ever human gathering, with over 40 million people anticipated to participate.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also praised the commencement of Maha Kumbh 2025, calling it a proud symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. He highlighted the gathering as a manifestation of “unity in diversity”.
In an official statement, CM Yogi said, “The world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, Maha Kumbh 2025, commenced today in the sacred city of Prayagraj. On this auspicious occasion, I extend a warm welcome to all devotees, saints, mahatmas, kalpvasis, and visitors, wishing them well for the first holy dip of the Maha Kumbh.”
He also expressed hope that the wishes of all devotees seeking spiritual fulfillment through meditation and bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganga would be realized.
The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, with over 450 million devotees expected for the event, which will conclude on February 26.
