As Maha Kumbh 2025 begins with the 'Shahi Snan,' international and Indian devotees gather at the Triveni Sangam seeking spiritual blessings and moksha.
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), January 13: The Maha Kumbh 2025, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, commenced with the sacred 'Shahi Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima on Monday. Devotees from across India and the globe have flocked to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers converge, to take a holy dip despite the winter chill.
Foreign visitors were among those immersing themselves in the spiritual experience. Francisco, a devotee from Brazil visiting India for the first time, expressed his joy. “I came to India in search of moksha. This is an amazing experience—India truly is the spiritual heart of the world. The water may be cold, but my heart is warm,” he said.
A Spanish pilgrim shared similar sentiments, calling himself lucky to be part of this spiritual journey. “We’re a group of friends from Spain, Brazil, and Portugal. Taking a holy dip here has been incredible,” he noted.
Jitesh Prabhakar, a Mysore native and now a German citizen, attended the Mela with his wife Saskia Knauf and their son Aditya. “It doesn’t matter where you live—India or abroad—the connection to your roots should remain. I practice yoga daily, and this experience helps ground me,” Jitesh explained. His wife added, “I’m very excited to be here. It’s always a joy to visit this sacred place.”
Nikki, a devotee from Cape Town, South Africa, described the event as powerful. “We are blessed to be here at the Ganga. It’s beautiful—the streets are clean, and the people are so kind,” she said.
Security and Infrastructure Prepared
Teams from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), police, and CRPF are deployed across the Mela Kshetra to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Elaborate traffic arrangements have also been implemented to manage the influx of visitors.
Traffic authorities have established entry and exit routes for smooth vehicular movement. Key entry routes include Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, while Triveni Marg serves as the exit route. Designated parking areas have been set up for vehicles coming from Jaunpur and other regions.
A Rare Celestial Significance
This year’s Maha Kumbh holds special significance as it coincides with a rare celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years. The event, being celebrated after 12 years, is expected to draw over 45 crore devotees by its conclusion on February 26.
The Maha Kumbh Mela remains a testament to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to Prayagraj’s sacred waters.
