New Delhi, February 24  – Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar took a holy dip at the sacred Sangam during the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Monday and praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the well-organized arrangements at the event.

The 57-year-old actor, who was last seen in the film Sky Force, expressed his admiration for the significant improvements in the arrangements compared to his previous visit in 2019. He mentioned that while in the past, people often brought their belongings in small bundles, this time, the grandeur of the event has attracted prominent personalities, including industrialists like Ambani and Adani, as well as renowned actors.

Akshay Kumar shared his experience with PTI, saying, "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The arrangements are excellent, and a lot of good work has been done. We are very grateful to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for ensuring such well-managed facilities." He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the police personnel and workers who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors.

The Mahakumbh Mela, which began on January 13, will conclude on February 26. The grand event has witnessed the participation of several celebrities, including Vicky Kaushal, Sonali Bendre, and Vijay Deverakonda, adding to its star-studded appeal.

Agra, February 23: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the extraordinary scale of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, revealing that 62 crore pilgrims have visited so far, making it one of the rarest events of the century where such a large congregation gathers within a specific timeframe.

Speaking at the 'Unicorn Companies Conclave' in Agra, Yogi Adityanath welcomed the attendees by drawing a parallel between the startup ecosystem and the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, referring to the event as the 'Unicorn Maha Kumbh' of the startup world.

The Chief Minister emphasized the spiritual and cultural legacy of Braj Bhoomi, stating, “This region has long influenced India's civilization and culture. I just returned from Prayagraj and will head back after this conclave.”

Adityanath described the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh as a global marvel, emphasizing that such a massive turnout for any event, whether spiritual or tourism-related, is a rare occurrence. He expressed pride that Uttar Pradesh has the privilege of hosting such a historic event.

Reflecting on the historical and cultural importance of the Kumbh Mela, the Chief Minister said, “The history of the Kumbh makes us realize that India had established such grand events since ancient times.” He noted that the Kumbh Mela is traditionally held at four sacred locations: Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, and Nashik (Trimbakeshwar) in Maharashtra.

Highlighting the cultural revival intention behind the Kumbh, Yogi Adityanath suggested that the visionaries of ancient India might have anticipated a time when Indians would feel disconnected from their traditions. The Kumbh Mela serves as a bridge to reconnect people with their heritage and spirituality.

The Chief Minister's address not only underscored the significance of the Maha Kumbh but also aligned it with the emerging entrepreneurial spirit showcased at the 'Unicorn Companies Conclave', presenting Uttar Pradesh as a land of both cultural depth and economic innovation.

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.

New Delhi, February 20: In response to the anticipated surge in pilgrims during the final week of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the Indian Railways has established 'holding areas' at various railway stations to manage crowds and ensure passenger safety. The initiative comes in the wake of the February 15 stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which resulted in 18 fatalities.

The Railway Ministry announced on Thursday that these holding areas have been set up at stations under the Northern Railway, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and East Central Railway zones. These designated areas, located outside the platforms, aim to control passenger flow and prevent overcrowding within station premises.

To facilitate a smooth and safe travel experience, the ministry urged passengers to follow official guidelines and cooperate with authorities. The statement noted, "Passengers will be allowed to enter the platform only at their scheduled train departure time. This initiative is focused on improving crowd management and enhancing safety measures for all travelers."

In the Northern Railway zone, large-scale holding areas have been set up at Ghaziabad, Anand Vihar, New Delhi, Ayodhya Dham, and Varanasi stations. Similarly, the North Eastern Railway has introduced holding areas at Varanasi, Siwan, Ballia, Deoria, Chhapra, and Gorakhpur stations.

This proactive approach aims to avert chaotic situations, ensuring that the unfortunate incident at New Delhi Railway Station is not repeated, particularly during a high-footfall event like the Mahakumbh.

Prayagraj, February 12 – The sacred Maghi Purnima Snan at Mahakumbh 2025 witnessed a massive turnout as over 1.3 crore devotees took a dip in the holy Ganga and Sangam by 10 AM on Wednesday. Since early morning, a steady stream of men, women, children, and elderly devotees made their way to the sacred ghats, marking the fifth major bathing festival of the Mahakumbh.

According to figures released by the Mela administration, over 47.45 crore pilgrims have taken a dip in the Ganga and Sangam since the commencement of the Mahakumbh. Authorities have urged all Kalpavasis to adhere to traffic regulations and use only designated parking areas.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been monitoring the arrangements since 4 AM from his ‘war room’ in Lucknow, accompanied by Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, and other officials. Extending his greetings on Maghi Purnima, CM Yogi posted on social media platform X, welcoming saints, religious leaders, Kalpavasis, and devotees to the holy occasion. He expressed prayers for happiness, prosperity, and divine blessings for all.

The month-long Kalpavas—a period of rigorous spiritual discipline observed by thousands of devotees—culminates with the Maghi Purnima Snan. Approximately 10 lakh Kalpavasis who had pledged to live an austere life along the Ganga banks will now return to their homes after performing concluding rituals, including Ganga Puja and Deepdaan (lamp offerings).

According to Rajendra Mishra, the founder of Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, Kalpavasis observe a strict regimen, including sleeping on the ground, bathing thrice daily, cooking their own meals, and practicing charity and spiritual discourse. Upon fulfilling their vows, they depart based on astrological considerations, with most leaving within two to three days.

Madan Gopal Shukla, a Kalpavasi from Gorakhpur, expressed his deep spiritual fulfillment after completing his Kalpavas, saying, "This has been an enriching experience. I have been coming here for four years, offering my bad habits to Ganga. This year, I have successfully quit tobacco. Next year, I will work on overcoming other weaknesses."

Security and Traffic Management Strengthened

With millions of devotees arriving, authorities have intensified crowd management and security measures. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajesh Dwivedi assured that smooth traffic flow and safety protocols were in place, with enhanced vigilance at crowded locations.

To prevent congestion, private and public vehicles entering Prayagraj post-February 11 morning were directed to designated parking zones. Additionally, from 5 PM on February 11, the entire city has been declared a 'No Vehicle Zone', with exceptions made only for emergency services.

Many pilgrims, including Srinivas from Andhra Pradesh, expressed their appreciation for the arrangements made by the Yogi Adityanath-led government. He remarked, "This is an incredible experience. The government has ensured excellent facilities. Thanks to Yogi Ji and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I feel immense pride in my Hindu identity by being here."

The Maghi Purnima Snan has once again showcased the grandeur and devotion surrounding Mahakumbh 2025, as pilgrims from across the country and the world gathered to partake in this sacred tradition.

Prayagraj, February 5 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj on Wednesday. He performed Ganga Aarti, worshipped the river, and offered prayers to Surya Dev (the Sun God).

After the ritual bath, PM Modi expressed his deep sense of peace and divine satisfaction, stating that receiving Mother Ganga’s blessings filled him with immense tranquility.

Dressed in a saffron full-sleeve kurta and blue pyjama, PM Modi was seen reciting mantras while wearing a rudraksha mala around his neck. As part of the ritual, he offered milk to the river, performed aarti, and presented a traditional red chunari to Goddess Ganga. After the prayer, priests applied a sandalwood tilak on his forehead and offered him sacred Ganga water for purification.

Following the rituals, PM Modi changed into a black kurta, white pyjama, a jacket, and a traditional Himachali cap before exiting the ghats and leaving in a car alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In a social media post on X, Modi shared pictures of himself taking the holy dip, offering prayers to the Sun God, and chanting mantras with a rudraksha mala. His post read, "Today, I had the divine privilege of taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. Receiving Mother Ganga’s blessings has filled my heart with immense peace and contentment. I prayed for the well-being, prosperity, and health of all countrymen. Har Har Gange!"

Officials ensured that security measures did not disrupt the experience of other devotees. Most security protocols were limited to specific areas, allowing pilgrims to continue their bathing rituals at other ghats.

PM Modi arrived at Arail Ghat via helicopter and took a boat ride to the Sangam, accompanied by CM Yogi Adityanath. The two leaders were seen engaging in conversation on their way.

His visit to Mahakumbh holds political significance, coinciding with Delhi elections and the Milkipur bypoll in Ayodhya. The BJP is making a concerted effort to oust AAP in Delhi and secure the Milkipur seat from the Samajwadi Party.

Previously, on December 13, 2024, PM Modi had visited Prayagraj to inaugurate 167 infrastructure projects worth ₹5,500 crore, aimed at improving transportation and facilities for pilgrims attending Mahakumbh 2025.

By 10 AM on Wednesday, 47.30 lakh devotees, including 10 lakh Kalpvasis, had taken a dip at Sangam. Since the beginning of Mahakumbh on January 13, 2025, over 38.29 crore people have participated in the sacred bathing ritual.

Prayagraj, Nov 6 (IANS) ‘Lakshagriha’, a religious site in Handia block of Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj believed to date back to the Mahabharata era, is all set for a makeover before the Maha Kumbh 2025.

The Kunti Palace and Vyas Dwar at the site have already been revamped from the funds given by the state government.

Officials said before Maha Kumbh, tourists coming here will be able to see the statues of Lord Krishna, Arjun and Vidur along with Kunti Mahal. Tourists will also be able to see Krishna’s conch Panchjanya in this Lakshagriha.

Before Maha Kumbh, there is also a plan to make Mahabharata Circuit in the country for the first time and display the cultural glory of India to the world.

According to Lakshagriha development committee chairman, Omkarnath Tripathi, “Along with the palace made of lac, which was made by Duryodhana in a bid to kill Pandavas, there is a plan to include Kaushambhi in the Mahabharata Circuit. The state government has conceptualised this to introduce the world to the cultural splendour of India during Maha Kumbh. For this, the tourism directorate has drawn up a blueprint.”

In this circuit, preparations are being made to circumambulate from Hastinapur, Kampilya, Echhatra, Barnawa, Mathura, Kaushambhi, Gonda to Lakshagriha. The proposal for this circuit has been presented to the director general (DG) of tourism, Mukesh Meshram.

Recently officials of the tourism department along with the office-bearers of Lakshagrih development committee took stock of Kunti Mahal and Vyas Dwar.

Tripathi said this place will prove to be a boon for tourism development in the upcoming Maha Kumbh.

“There is also a proposal to build a research laboratory in Lakshagriha. The original story of Mahabharata will be propagated in this research institute,” he added.

Tourists can also have a glimpse of the tunnel using which the Pandavas managed to escape after the fire in Lakshagriha and crossed the Ganga.

Prayagraj, Oct 30 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government has planned to install over 67,000 streetlights at the Maha Kumbh 2025 township where crores of pilgrims are expected to stay.

It may be noted that the government has earmarked Rs 2,500 crore for Maha Kumbh.

Out of the total allocations, around Rs 400 crore is likely to be spent on power supply and installations alone, officials said, Round-the-clock power supply would also be ensured to the site.

This allocation is almost double that for the Kumbh Mela held in 2018-19 when the government had spent Rs 192 crore to light up the site.

According to the government spokesman, out of the 67,000 streetlights, 2,000 are likely to be solar hybrid streetlights that will be installed at major ghats and junctions in the fair area.

Moreover, 109 DG sets will be installed to ensure 24-hour uninterrupted power supply in the entire mela area. As many as 15 ring main units (RMUs) of 11 kV will also be installed so that in case of sudden interruption of power supply, power can be obtained immediately through another source. These RMUs will be installed after every six substations.

Four modern vans will be installed for repairing streetlights in the mela area.

Furthermore, four mobile high-mast generators will also be installed at the mela site. They will be used for lighting at various worksites within the mela area before the electrification of the Maha Kumbh. After the conclusion of the Mela, these mobile high-mast generators will be used for the next Magh Mela and the city.

Around 1.5 lakh information and communication technology (ICT)-based systems will also be used for monitoring of streetlights and power distribution during the Maha Kumbh through QR coding and geo-tagging. This will help in quick detection of faults and leakages, enabling their prompt resolution.

Prayagraj (UP), Oct 8 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has dissolved a marriage, emphasising the significance of individual happiness over forcing a couple to live together.

The decision came on Tuesday on a first appeal filed by Ashok Jha, the husband, challenging the rejection of his petition for divorce by the principal judge of the family court in Ghaziabad on November 7, 2019.

The division bench, comprising Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, found that compelling a couple to live together was more prejudicial to public interest than the dissolution of the marriage.

The case revolved around allegations of cruelty suffered by the husband and the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Both parties had levelled accusations against each other, ranging from infidelity to false criminal complaints, and they had been living separately for over a decade.

The court took into account the numerous complaints filed by the wife against her husband, as well as his counterclaims. It was evident that every effort had been made to harass and torment him, with no inclination for reconciliation on the part of the wife.

The court cited legal precedents, including the case of Naveen Kohli Vs Neelu Kohli (2006) (4) SCC 558, which established that filing false complaints against a spouse amounted to cruelty.

In the backdrop of this complex situation, the court dissolved the marriage, recognising both the cruelty suffered by the husband and the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship.

Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh commented on the case, saying, “Forcing the parties to live together despite their intense animosity towards each other will amount to cruelty.”

The verdict sets a significant precedent, emphasising the importance of protecting individuals from marital suffering and respecting their right to choose their own path to happiness.

Prayagraj (UP), Oct 16 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court on Monday acquitted the two prime accused in the infamous Nithari murder case.

The court found accused Surinder Koli innocent in the 12 cases against him, while co-accused Moninder Singh Pandher was found innocent in two cases against him.

With this, the death sentence awarded to Koli and Pandher stands cancelled.

The Nithari murder case, one of the most notorious criminal investigations in recent Indian history, involved the discovery of multiple human remains in and around Moninder Singh Pandher's residence in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in 2006.

It was alleged that Koli would lure the children to the house, offering them sweets and chocolates, murder them, and have sex with the corpses. He was also accused of cannibalism.

The gruesome details of the case sent shockwaves across the country and led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of Koli and Pandher.

Surinder Koli, who was accused of brutally killing and later axing children in the Nithari locality of Noida, was awarded death sentence by a lower court which was upheld by the Allahabad High Court and confirmed by the Supreme Court on February 15, 2011 for the murder of Rimpa Halder in 2005.

Holding that Koli "appears to be the serial killer", the court had said, "No mercy can be shown to him."

A total of 16 cases were registered against Koli, and he was sentenced to death in twelve of them.

His employer, Moninder Singh Pandher was convicted in some cases arising out of the Nithari serial killings and acquitted in a few others.

Pandher had challenged the death sentence handed down in two of the cases by a trial court in the Allahabad High Court.

Prayagraj, Oct 5 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has observed that a Hindu marriage is not valid without the 'saptapadi' ceremony (taking seven rounds around the sacred fire) and other rituals.

On this ground, the court has quashed the entire proceedings of a complaint case, where the husband had sought punishment for his estranged wife, alleging that she had solemnised her second marriage without obtaining a divorce from him.

Allowing a petition filed by Smriti Singh, Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh observed, "It is well settled that the word 'solemnise' means, in connection with a marriage, 'to celebrate the marriage with proper ceremonies and in due form'. Unless the marriage is celebrated or performed with proper ceremonies and due form, it cannot be said to be 'solemnised'. If the marriage is not a valid marriage... it is not a marriage in the eyes of law. The 'saptapadi' ceremony under the Hindu law is one of the essential ingredients to constitute a valid marriage."

The court relied on Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which provides that a Hindu marriage may be solemnised in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party thereto. Second, such rites include 'saptapadi', which makes the marriage complete when the seventh step is taken.

Quashing the summoning order and further proceedings of the complaint case pending before a Mirzapur court against the petitioner wife, the court said, "Even there is no averment with regard to 'saptapadi' in the complaint as well as in the statements before the court. Hence, no prima-facie offence is made out against the applicants."

Petitioner Smriti Singh was married off to Satyam Singh in 2017 but due to acrimonious relations, she left the house of her in-laws and lodged an FIR alleging harassment for dowry.

Later, after investigation, the police submitted a charge sheet against her husband and in-laws.

The petitioner-wife also filed an application for maintenance, which was allowed and the principal judge, family court, Mirzapur, on January 11, 2021, directed the husband to pay Rs 4,000 as maintenance per month until she gets remarried.

The husband gave an application alleging bigamy against his wife.

The husband filed another complaint on September 20, 2021, alleging inter-alia that his wife had sanctified her second marriage. 

The Magistrate on April 21, 2022, summoned the petitioner-wife, following which she filed the present petition before the High Court.

Prayagraj, July 27 (IANS) Some 40 crore pilgrims are set to attend the 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj , compared to the 25 crore footfall in 2019.

The 2013 Maha Kumbh was spread over an area of 1,600 hectares which increased to 3,200 hectares in 2019.

The 2025 congregation will be spread over 5,000 hectares.

Mela Adhikari, Vijay Kiran Anand, told reporters: “Maha Kumbh will be divided into 25 sectors, with a police station in each sector. And there will be more than 100 police outposts."

In comparison to this, the 2019 was spread in 20 sectors.

Likewise, the number of pontoon bridges too will be more in 2025. In 2019, authorities had made 22 pontoon bridges across the rivers Ganga and Yamuna whereas in 2025, the number will increase to 27, said Anand.

Each of the 25 sectors of the vast mela area will have one fire station each.

The official further informed that the devotees coming to Maha Kumbh will have a stretch of 10 km to bathe during the 44-day mela.

There will also be several parking lots across the city and near the mela area.

“Arrangements will be made near the mela area and also in outskirts of the city, to accommodate around four lakhs vehicles in a day," said the official.

Likewise, there will be multiple entry and exits for the vast mela area.

“There will be theme-based gates for different sectors and areas of the mela so that if anyone wants to meet their relative or someone else, he or she can inform about their whereabouts on the basis of the theme of the respective gate."

Maha Kumbh 2025 will start from Paush Purnima (January 13) after which Makar Sankranti will be on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12 and Maha Shivratri on February 26.

The three Shahi Snan (royal bathing days) by the 13 Akharas of the country will take place on January 14 (Makar
Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya) and February 3 (Basant Panchami).