Mahakumbh Mela 2025:
Table of Contents
Mahakumbh Mela 2025, a Maha Kumbh that takes place every 144 years, began in Prayagraj on 13 January 2025 and ended on 26 February 2025 – continuing for a total of 45 days.
Major bathing dates (Shahi Snan):
13 January (Paush Purnima) = Beginning of Maha Kumbh
14 January (Makar Sankranti) = Special day for complete bathing
29 January (Mauni Amavasya) = Symbol of peace and knowledge
3 February (Basant Panchami) = Purnima festival and donation
12 February (Maghi Purnima) = Bath before Shivratri
26 February (Maha Shivratri) = Concluding bath and ceremony
Highlights of the event:
In this Maha Kumbh, an estimated 66 crore (660 million) people took a dip in the Triveni Sangam, making it the largest religious event ever.
On the first day, January 13, more than 40 lakh (4 million) devotees took a bath.
Spiritual significance and activities:
Shahi Snan: included the practice of Naga ascetics, procession of Akhadas (Peshwai), and religious rituals like Deep Daan, Veeni Daan, Shraddha, and Satsang.
Cultural conferences, enlightening discourses, and yoga-sadhana programs were also organized.
Security and management:
The state government made development investments of over Rs 6,900 crore, including facilities like 30 floating bridges, 11 hospitals, 100-bed hospital, 10-bed ICU.
AI-cameras, underwater-drone, remote buoy, and over 50,000 personnel were deployed for security.
Digital applications were used for crowd control and traffic restrictions were imposed by cancelling VVIP passes.
Accidents & Challenges:
The biggest accident occurred on 29 January (Mauni Amavasya) — two crowd accidents killed at least 30 people officially, but some sources put the number at 79; about 60–200 people were injured.
There were also several incidents like LPG cylinder explosion, fire in the mela camp, but none resulted in major loss of life and property.
Global Participation & Economic Impact:
About 1.5 million (15 lakh) foreign tourists attended, delegations from 77 countries also came.
It is estimated that the government received revenue of up to ₹25,000 crore (about $3‑4 billion), and the entire event generated economic benefits of up to ₹2 trillion.
