Maha Kumbh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, February 22: The Uttar Pradesh government announced on Saturday that since the commencement of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 13, over 60 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Ganga and Triveni Sangam rivers.
According to the fair administration's data, by 4 PM on Saturday, more than 1.11 crore pilgrims had taken a dip in the sacred waters, contributing to the total count of 60.42 crore since the start of the Mela.
A government statement highlighted that there are an estimated 120 crore Sanatanis (followers of Sanatan Dharma) globally. With this, over half of the world's Sanatanis have already taken a holy dip in the Ganga and Triveni Sangam, seeking spiritual merit. By the final bathing ritual on Maha Shivaratri, scheduled for February 26, the total count is expected to surpass 65 crores.
The Maha Kumbh has attracted diplomats from 73 countries, including Bhutan’s King Namgyel Wangchuck, and several international guests who have participated in the sacred Amrit Snan. Furthermore, more than 50 lakh pilgrims from Nepal have also bathed in the holy waters of Triveni.
Analyzing the statistics of major bathing days, the highest turnout was recorded on Mauni Amavasya, with nearly 8 crore devotees taking a holy dip. On Makar Sankranti, approximately 3.5 crore pilgrims bathed in the sacred rivers.
On February 1 and January 30, over 2 crore devotees participated each day, while Pausha Purnima saw 1.7 crore pilgrims. Additionally, on Basant Panchami, 2.57 crore devotees bathed in the Triveni, and over 2 crore pilgrims participated in the Maha Snan on Maghi Purnima, another significant bathing occasion.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, renowned as the world’s largest religious gathering, continues to witness unprecedented participation, symbolizing faith, devotion, and the cultural richness of Sanatan Dharma.
