Mahakumbh 2025: Over 60 Lakh Devotees Take Holy Dip on First Bathing Day

The first day of the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 witnessed an overwhelming turnout as more than 60 lakh devotees gathered to take the holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. Pilgrims from across India and 20 other countries participated in the spiritual event, marking a momentous beginning to the festival.

A Sea of Devotees at Sangam

Devotees began arriving in the early hours, with a steady stream of pilgrims walking up to 12 kilometers on foot to reach the ghats. The Sangam area, regarded as a gateway to salvation in Hinduism, was filled with chants of “Har Har Gange” and “Jai Ganga Maiya.” Despite the massive crowd, the atmosphere remained serene and deeply spiritual.

Authorities reported that pilgrims from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Nepal joined Indian devotees in offering prayers and taking the ritual bath. The event is believed to cleanse the soul and remove past sins, making it a significant occasion for Hindus worldwide.

Unprecedented Security Measures

To ensure the safety of the attendees, the Uttar Pradesh government deployed an extensive security force comprising 60,000 personnel. The contingent included police, paramilitary forces, and disaster management teams. Surveillance drones, CCTVs, and control rooms were also in operation to monitor the massive gathering.

Special arrangements were made to manage the crowd and avoid stampedes. Barricades, signboards, and volunteers were stationed across the city to guide pilgrims. A senior official stated, “Our priority is the safety and convenience of the devotees. We have taken every precaution to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.”

Walking 12 Kilometers to Sangam

Due to restrictions on vehicular movement in the vicinity of the Sangam, devotees had to walk several kilometers to reach the bathing ghats. Despite the distance, the journey was marked by enthusiasm, with groups singing devotional songs and distributing prasad along the way.

Temporary shelters, drinking water stations, and medical aid camps were set up along the route to assist the pilgrims. Elderly participants were provided with wheelchairs and other facilities to ensure their comfort.

Global Participation

One of the highlights of this year’s Mahakumbh is its growing global reach. Foreign devotees, dressed in traditional Indian attire, performed rituals alongside local pilgrims. Many expressed their admiration for the spiritual significance and the scale of the event.

An Australian devotee shared, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The energy and devotion here are unparalleled.”

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Environmental and Logistical Efforts

The Mahakumbh organizing committee emphasized eco-friendly practices, urging devotees to avoid plastic and maintain cleanliness. Volunteers actively worked to collect waste and ensure the ghats remained clean for millions of participants.

Over 25,000 tents were erected to accommodate pilgrims, along with dedicated zones for food, healthcare, and spiritual discourses. The arrangements reflected the government’s commitment to hosting the Mahakumbh with grandeur and efficiency.

Significance of the First Snan

The first bathing day, or “Shahi Snan,” holds immense importance in Hinduism. According to belief, taking a dip at the Sangam during the Mahakumbh washes away sins and paves the way to moksha (salvation). The event coincided with auspicious planetary alignments, further enhancing its significance.

As the day progressed, the crowd at the Sangam continued to swell, making the first day of Mahakumbh 2025 a historic and spiritually uplifting experience for millions. The festival will continue for several weeks, with more sacred bathing days and religious events planned in the coming months.