1.65 Crore Devotees Take Holy Dip at Maha Kumbh: Bathing Begins at 4 AM Across 44 Ghats; Pilgrims Walk 12 KM to Reach Sangam

The grand Maha Kumbh has officially commenced, with the first holy dip on Paush Purnima starting at 4 AM. According to government data, 1.65 crore devotees performed the ritual bath across 44 designated ghats on the first day. In a grand gesture, flowers were showered from helicopters over the worshippers. This Maha Kumbh is taking place under a rare celestial alignment that last occurred 144 years ago — the same configuration believed to have existed during the mythical Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean).

Pilgrims from across India have arrived in Prayagraj. The sheer volume of visitors led to 3,700 individuals getting separated from their groups; most were reunited through announcements made at the Lost and Found centers. Security has been beefed up with helicopters and NSG commandos monitoring the event. Foreign pilgrims from countries like Germany, Brazil, and Russia are also participating in large numbers.

Pilgrims’ Experiences

Francisco, a visitor from Brazil, shared his spiritual quest, saying, “I practice yoga and seek salvation. India is the spiritual heart of the world. Jai Shri Ram.”

Even at night, throngs of devotees lined the roads leading to Sangam. With vehicular entry restricted, pilgrims are walking 10 to 12 kilometers from bus stops and railway stations. Over 60,000 security personnel, including commandos and paramilitary forces, are ensuring smooth operations.

Key Highlights:

• Lauren Powell Jobs, wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited Maha Kumbh, performed rituals at Niranjani Akhara, and will participate in Kalpavas.

• Google has introduced a special Maha Kumbh feature that rains virtual flowers when users search for the event.

An Iranian woman pilgrim said, “We are a group of nine people from different parts of the world. My husband and I live between Dubai and Lisbon. It’s our first visit here, and we will bathe tomorrow at 10 AM. The organization of Kumbh is impressive. We are staying in a well-arranged tent colony.”

CM Yogi Adityanath’s Message

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath posted on X, “On the auspicious occasion of ‘Paush Purnima,’ I extend my heartfelt greetings to all saints, devotees, and Kalpavasis for their holy bath in the pure waters of the Sangam. Kudos to the administration, volunteers, and media for making this event successful. Congratulations to all departments associated with the Maha Kumbh 2025.”

The Significance of Kalpavas at Kumbh

Kalpavas holds profound importance during Kumbh. It is believed that penance performed here washes away all sins and opens the path to salvation. Kalpavasis dedicate themselves to spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting hymns, and studying Vedic scriptures while abstaining from worldly pleasures. Scriptures like the Mahabharata and Matsya Purana proclaim that those who observe Kalpavas with devotion achieve both liberation from sin and a place in heaven.

Tight Security Amid Massive Crowds

To manage the vast influx of people, CCTV cameras are monitoring key areas, with special police assignments for crowd control.

80 People Detained So Far

Since last night, 80 individuals have been detained across various police stations in the Maha Kumbh area. Some lacked identification, while others were held on suspicion of theft or for recording unauthorised videos of women.