AMN / WEB DESK
Over six million devotees and pilgrims have taken the holy dip till now as the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering Mahakumbh began today in Prayagraj with Amrit Snan on Paush Poornima. Devotees, Pilgrims and Visitors are taking holy dip in various ghats of Triveni Sangam, the confluence of river Ganga, Yamuna and mythical river Saraswati. The grand event will continue till Mahashivaratri on 26th February. A rare celestial alignment that occurs only once in 144 years adds to the speciality of Maha Kumbh this year
Dubbed the largest gathering of humanity in the world, the millennia-old Kumbh Mela is expected to bring more than 40 crore people to Prayagraj, which is more than the population of the US and Russia. The event, being held after 12 years, has been set up at around 4,000 hectares and will continue till February 26. It is expected to give a massive boost to the economic growth of Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state in India, which allocated around Rs 7,000 crore budget for the 45-day-long mega event.
Maha Kumbh Projected To Earn Up To Rs 2 Lakh Crore
Maha Kumbh 2025 is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth for Uttar Pradesh. According to estimates, the event may generate Rs 2 lakh crore if each of 40 crore visitors spends an average of Rs 5,000.
• Safety measures: NDRF teams and Uttar Pradesh Police’s water police units have been stationed to ensure the safety of devotees as the ‘Shahi Snan’ commenced on Paush Purnima, marking the start of Maha Kumbh 2025.
• Traffic arrangements: Traffic police have devised extensive plans to manage vehicular flow and ensure the safety of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which began today.
• QR code installation: Over 50,000 QR codes are being set up on electricity poles across the 25 sectors of the Maha Kumbh area. These will help pilgrims identify their locations and lodge complaints about electricity-related issues.
• Helicopter joyride: The cost of helicopter rides for an aerial view of Maha Kumbh has been reduced to ₹1,296 per person. The 7–8 minute rides, starting January 13, will offer tourists a unique perspective of the expansive Kumbh area and Prayagraj city.
• Hospitals along NH-19: Three hospitals have been established at Aurai, Gopiganj, and Unj police stations on National Highway 19 in Bhadohi district for devotees traveling to Maha Kumbh. These facilities will become fully operational on January 14, according to Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik.