Mahakumbh 2025 Highlights: Over 1.5 crore devotees take dip on first day in Sangam as 45-day event begins

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has claimed that boatmen were sidelined at the Maha Kumbh festival. State minister Nand Gopal Gupta has dismissed the charge as "baseless".

Sharing a video clip of a foreign news outlet's report on social media, the SP chief criticised the Adityanath government's "treatment" of boatmen in Prayagraj, claiming their concerns were overlooked despite them playing a central role during the Maha Kumbh that went underway on Monday.

"Those who guide the world to its destination have been sidelined by the BJP government. The boatmen, whose lives and livelihoods revolve around rowing boats, are now questioning the government: In these circumstances, where will we find our shelter?" he wrote on X.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti arrived in Prayagraj on Monday to take part in the Maha Kumbh festival.

“I have been attending the Maha Kumbh at Shri Prayagraj since 1977, but I have never witnessed such excellent arrangements, security, facilities, and the remarkably polite demeanour of the administration and police towards pilgrims. Blessed is India, blessed is Shri Prayagraj, and blessed is this divine Maha Kumbh,” she said.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: The world's largest gathering began on Monday with 1.5 crore people taking a dip in the Sangam in their quest for ‘moksha' and the belief it will cleanse their sins.

“On the first bathing festival today, 1.50 crore Sanatan believers earned the holy benefit of bathing in the uninterrupted and clean Triveni," Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote on X.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: The tradition of 'Kalpvas' began on Monday with the start of Maha Kumbh celebrations. Thousands of devotees have started their Kalpvas by planting bananas, Tulsi and barley. They are also observing fast and adopting a disciplined lifestyle.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said  on Monday that he would be visiting Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh 2025 and spend three days at the mega congregation.

"I have been invited there by three religious leaders whom I revere. I will be spending three days at the congregation,” the governor told reporters on the sidelines of a function organised by Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: More than 250 individuals, who were separated from their families in the dense crowd in the early hours of the first day of Maha Kumbh 2025, were reunited through efficient measures by the fair administration.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar said around 1 crore devotees had taken a holy dip in Sangam area by afternoon on the first ‘amrit snan’ day. Officials said the rush of devotees had continued in the area and police personnel remained on site.

“Till now, we have received no information about any unpleasant incident taking place in the Prayagraj area and the state. Our all senior officials and the CMO office are monitoring the situation. All arrangements made by the Transport department for devotees coming by road are also operating smoothly,” he assured.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: As Mahakumbh began on Monday, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia will pair its diverse portfolio of beverages with local foods and flavours in Prayagraj.

“We will be pairing our diverse portfolio of beverages with local foods and flavours and bringing to life immersive experiences to make Maha Kumbh even more memorable for all who visit. We are committed to creating social impact through multiple initiatives at the event, that showcase the potential of repurposed packaging and raise awareness about recycling to inspire collective action,” said Greishma Singh, Vice President Marketing, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: As Mahakumbh began on Monday in Prayagraj, FMCG giant ITC will launch several initiatives for devotees in Prayagraj. Its incense stick brand, Mangaldeep will indulge brand participation in rituals like havans, hosting evening bhajans, and offering digital engagement through augmented reality to bring the event’s devotional spirit such as ‘Kumbh Snan’ and ‘Deepdaan’ into people’s homes. 

“This once-a-12-year festival represents a prime moment for ITC’s brands to connect with millions, blending tradition, culture, and meaningful consumer interactions into this iconic gathering of devotees,” said an ITC spokesperson.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Around 13,000 trains will operate for the ease of train passengers during Maha Kumbh.  According to East Coast Railway CPRO Ashok Kumar, over 13,000 trains will operate during the event, including 10,000 regular mail express trains and 3,000 additional special services specifically planned for January and February.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Authorities have formulated smooth traffic management plan to ensure smooth vehicular movement and safety for devotees visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela, reported ANI

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Uttar Pradesh DGP PRashant Kumar on Monday said that the police personnel have been actively engaged in maintaining law and order at Kumbh.

"We have increased the length of the ghats, which has prevented any overcrowding. This Kumbh will be grand, divine, digital, and secure. All arrangements are being made accordingly," he said

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Several foreign visitors also attended Mahakumbh on Monday. Many even took holy dip in water despite cold weather.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Apart from Indians, devotees from across the world are coming to Prayagraj to attend the dynamic event. 

Speaking to ANI, Fermin Ezcurdia expressed great enthusiasm to be in India. Ezcurdia who has come from Spain, said, "I am very excited about India. It is a wonderful country. 12 years ago I was at the previous Kumbh Mela for four days. It was insufficient for me; very little. Now I have come for 30 days".

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Hours after Mahakumbh Mela commenced on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief  Minister Brajedh Pathak on Wednesday welcomed all the devotees and emphasised that the state government has has made all the arrangements from security to health.

"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 told ANI.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: More than 60 lakh pilgrims have taken dip at Sangam since morning after Mahakumbh Mela began in Prayagraj on Monday.

The state government also said that a large number of devotees from India and abroad were seen at the Sangam Ghat.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that Maha Kumbh to be held from January 13 to February 26 will elevate India's ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence, reported PTI.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Praveen Khandelwal Secretary General of CAIT, on Monday, said that the spiritual event is likely to generate a large scale economic and trade activities.

"An estimate suggests that with an average expenditure of ₹5,000 per person during religious travel, the total spending will exceed ₹2 lakh crore. This includes spending on hotels, guesthouses, temporary accommodations, food, religious items, healthcare, and other services" said Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT.

Maha Kumbh LIVE: Mahakumbh trade is expected  to generate a trade worth approximately ₹2 lakh crore in the region, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

Maha Kumbh LIVE: A Brazilian devotee who took holy dip at Maha Kumbh 2025 on Monday morning 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”

He concluded by saying “Jai Shri Ram”

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: UP ADG Bhanu Bhaskar on Monday told ANI that the fair administration is fully alert, all forces have been deployed since 3 am.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: AS the spiritual event kicked off on Monday, more than 1000 police personnel were deployed across the area for effective crowd management.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna said that the final figures of people who have bathed in the holy Sangam will be released eventually, but the estimated figure tells that 50 lakh people have already undertaken the 'snan'.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday congratulated for the beginning of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.

“Where there is a confluence of cultures, there is also a confluence of faith and harmony. Giving the message of 'unity in diversity', Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj is providing an encounter with Sanatan along with the welfare of humanity,” read a post by CM.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: A controversy erupted after a statue of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav was installed at a camp in Maha Kumbh area.

The statue, around two--three feet tall, was inaugurated on Saturday at the camp in Sector 16 set up by the Mulayam Singh Yadav Smriti Seva Sansthan, Leader of Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey said on Sunday.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: As Mahakumbh festival begins today, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara, said that ‘water is synonymous with Sanatan culture’

"Water is synonymous with our Sanatan culture. Water has life-giving properties. The existence of our gods is from water- Narayana, Brahma, among others... The Hindu month of 'Magha' starts today, Paush Purnima. Many devotees have come here for 'anushthan' in addition to 'snan'. Many have come here to look for the meaning and essence of human life...," he said.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Paush Purnima occurs on the 15th day of ‘Shukla Paksh’ in the Hindu calendar month of Paush.

The day also marks the initiation of ‘Kalpvasa’ which is a period of intense spiritual practice and devotion.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: More than 40 lakh devotees have taken a dip at Sangam as Mahakumbh 2025 began in Prayagraj.

(Pic Credit: Hindustan TImes)

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: As Mahakumbh Mela began on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes of the event to devotees. In his social media post, Modi wrote, “With the holy bath on Paush Purnima, the Maha Kumbh has begun on the holy land of Prayagraj from today. On this divine occasion related to our faith and culture, I salute and greet all the devotees from my heart. I wish that this huge festival of Indian spiritual tradition brings new energy and enthusiasm in the life of all of you.”

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Vegetarian awareness rally was organised in Prayagraj  a day before the beginning of the spiritual event.

Followers of Baba Jai Gurudev organized a vegetarian awareness rally in the Mahakumbh Nagar area, reported ANI.

Chanting slogans like "Baba Ji Ka Kehna Hai, Shakahari Rehna Hai" (Baba says, be vegetarian), the devotees encouraged people to adopt vegetarianism. They raised awareness about the benefits of vegetarianism and sought public support by asking attendees to raise their hands in agreement.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: First Amrit Snan will take place on January 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. During the snan, all akharas will take ceremonial dips in an ordained sequence.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: For the ease of devotees, the North Central Railway has made an elaborate arrangement for the ease of massive number of devotees set to attend the pilgrimage in Prayagraj. The Indian Railways plans to operate over 300 trains, including 80 special services, to ensure efficient transportation for devotees arriving in Prayagraj.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday said that the Railway has invested ₹5,000 crore over the last three years to boost infrastructure for the festival.

"In the last three years, we have been preparing for the Maha Kumbh, and railways have invested about ₹5,000 crores in creating new infrastructure and improving the existing infrastructure. This includes doubling of the lines, creating new platforms, and high-quality holding areas. A new bridge has also been constructed on the Ganga Ji," Vaishnaw told reporters.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: More than 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Mahakumbh Nagar on Sunday.

Men, women, elderly individuals, children, and a large number of saints and seers converged at the Sangam to perform the sacred ritual, seeking blessings, an official statement issued in Lucknow on Sunday said.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Rajendra Das, Mahant of Nirmohi Akhara, praised the management and Mahakumbh Mela preparations. While speaking abouth the arrangements, he empasised upon the convenience of devotees. Das told ANI,  “People are going to come here and take a divine dip in the Triveni Sangam. We came here to look at the camps.. we hope more and more people come here for the Kumbh Mela. This is a sacred fair which is also grand and divine.”

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Devotees take holy dip as Mahakumbh Mela begins on Monday. A foreign tourist who was taking holy dip, told ANI, “I came to India for the first time... I practice Yoga and I am searching for Moksha. It's amazing here; India is the spiritual heart of the world... The water is cold, but the heart is filled with warmth.”

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: The facility of helicopter ride in Kumbh Mela will now be more affordable for pilgrims in Mahakumbh 2025. According to ANI, helicopter ride fare has been reduced from ₹3,000 per person to ₹1296 per person.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: The world's largest religious gathering is set to begin in Prayagraj on Monday, January 13. More than 40 crore devotees are set to join Mahakumbh.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Stones were pelted at a train en-rote Prayagraj for Mahakumbh on Sunday, NDTV reported.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Mahant of Nirmohi Akhara, Digambar Akhara and Shri Nirvani Ani Akhara inspected the route for 'Rajsi Snan'(Shahi Snan) ahead of Mahakumbh 2025, ANI reported.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Uttar Pradesh government will install over 50,000 QR codes on electricity poles across the Mahakumbh Mela area, spanning 25 sectors. These codes will assist pilgrims to identifying their location and register complaints related to electricity issues, PTI reported.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: The Uttar Pradesh Police deployed ‘impenetrable security Chakravyuh’ in Prayagraj ahead of Mahakumbh Mela. The multi-layered security system is in place to ensure the safety of millions of devotees, PTI reported.

102 checkpoints connecting the Prayagraj district to neighbouring districts will be under stringent security checks. More than 1,000 police personnel, including 71 inspectors, 234 sub-inspectors, and 645 constables, have been deployed near Prayagraj district.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: The Pattabhishek ceremony of Vyasanand Giri Maharaj was conducted at the Niranjani Akhara, with Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj in attendance. Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, also took part in the ritual.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025 are nearing completion, with the Prayagraj Railway Division putting a special action plan in place for railway stations ahead of Makar Sankranti on 14 January.

Approximately one crore devotees are expected to take a holy dip at the Sangam on January 14, and to manage the anticipated crowd and ensure a seamless travel experience, the Prayagraj Railway Division has implemented a series of measures.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Over 1.5 million foreign tourists expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat. 

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, will inaugurate Kalagram and mark the beginning of the Maha Kumbh Mela on Sunday, ANI reported.

The main entrance of Kalagram, Built in the shape of 12 Jyotirlingas, is 635 feet wide and 54 feet high.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: A laser show is taking place in Prayagraj ahead of Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Women were seen perform Ganga aarti at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Sunday, ahead of Mahakumbh.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: Saints of Bada Udasin Akhada made a grand entry in Prayagraj on Sunday. The arrived at the festive site on camels.

Kumbh Mela 2025 LIVE: UP police carry out mounted patrolling on Sunday, a day before Mahakumbh mela will kickoff. The security has been tightened in Prayagraj.