New Delhi, February 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the recently concluded Mahakumbh in Prayagraj as a "Prelude to a New Era," highlighting the event as a significant milestone in India's developmental journey. In a comprehensive article shared across various social media platforms on Thursday, Modi emphasized that the Mahakumbh delivered a powerful message of "Developed India," showcasing the nation's unity and progress.

Modi referred to the grand gathering as the "Mahakumbh of Unity," noting that the event brought together people from all walks of life, including deities, saints, the elderly, women, and youth. He expressed pride in witnessing India's youth participating in the Mahakumbh, viewing it as a strong signal of the younger generation's commitment to India's culture and heritage.

The Prime Minister underscored the sheer scale of the Mahakumbh, which attracted millions of pilgrims to the banks of the Triveni Sangam. He marveled at the spontaneity of the gathering, as people from across the nation embarked on their spiritual journey without formal invitations or precise schedules. "The sight of millions congregating at the riverbank, driven solely by faith and devotion, is unparalleled in the world," he said.

Modi also addressed the logistical and managerial excellence displayed during the event, suggesting that the Mahakumbh has become a case study for modern management professionals and policy experts. He highlighted how the seamless management of such a vast gathering has caught global attention and admiration.

Reflecting on the historical and spiritual significance of the Mahakumbh, Modi drew parallels to the Mahabharata, where young Krishna showed the universe to Yashoda in his mouth. He said that similarly, the Mahakumbh offered the world a glimpse of India's boundless potential and spiritual strength. "This is the harbinger of a new era, a moment that will define India’s future," he asserted.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the administration, and the people of Prayagraj in making the event a resounding success. He expressed gratitude to the sanitation workers, police personnel, boatmen, drivers, cooks, and all those who contributed to the event's smooth execution, noting that they served not as administrators but as devoted servants of the cause.

Emphasizing the event's spiritual and cultural resonance, Modi encouraged the nation to celebrate rivers as life-giving entities through initiatives like the "River Festival." He apologized for any shortcomings in the event's management and asked for the public's forgiveness if any issues remained unaddressed.

Modi concluded by stating that the Mahakumbh's spiritual and unifying influence would continue to flow like the eternal stream of the Ganges. He announced his intention to visit the revered Somnath temple soon, where he would pray for the well-being and prosperity of every Indian, reinforcing his vision of a united and developed India.

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, February 3 – The third Amrit Snan (holy dip) of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 on Basant Panchami witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with nearly 20 million devotees taking a dip in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers by 4 PM on Monday.

From the early hours of Monday, lakhs of pilgrims from India and across the world thronged the Triveni Sangam, chanting "Har Har Gange". The atmosphere was charged with devotion as Naga Sadhus and other saints performed rituals, and floral showers from helicopters enhanced the divine spectacle.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his Basant Panchami greetings via social media and monitored the Mahakumbh proceedings from Lucknow along with senior officials. He emphasized the spiritual significance of the event, calling it an opportunity for devotees to receive divine blessings. Officials confirmed that all 13 Akharas (monastic orders) completed their ritualistic bath by noon, paving the way for lakhs of Indian and international pilgrims to take their sacred dip.

Given the January 29 stampede on Mouni Amavasya, which resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries, authorities implemented stringent crowd control measures at major ghats. Thousands of additional police personnel were stationed across key locations, ensuring smooth movement and preventing overcrowding. Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna, overseeing Mahakumbh security, assured that all safety measures were in place, stating that today’s crowd was being managed "efficiently and without any major disruptions."

To further streamline crowd movement, the Uttar Pradesh government launched ‘Operation Eleven’, ensuring one-way traffic control and deploying additional security forces at Triveni Ghats. Despite these efforts, many pilgrims chose to bathe at alternative sites like Dashashwamedh Ghat to avoid overcrowding.

The sheer magnitude of the Mahakumbh 2025 was reflected in government figures, revealing that since January 13, nearly 35 crore devotees had already bathed in the Ganga and Sangam. Monday’s Amrit Snan also saw over 10 lakh Kalpvasis—long-term spiritual retreatants—observing their month-long meditation and religious vows. These Kalpvasis will conclude their stay with the upcoming Maghi Purnima Snan, marking the end of their pilgrimage.

With high alert directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, top police officials, including ADG Bhanu Bhaskar, closely monitored crowd control and security arrangements to ensure a flawless execution of this sacred event.

The Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 will witness its final and most anticipated ‘Amrit Snan’ on Maghi Purnima, drawing millions once again to the banks of the holy Sangam.

Mahakumbh Nagar – In a first for the Maha Kumbh, tethered drones with high-resolution imaging, video, and sensor data collection capabilities have been deployed to ensure comprehensive surveillance of the event. These drones are designed to leave no activity unnoticed.

Enhanced Security Measures

Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh), Rajesh Dwivedi, stated that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized making this year’s Maha Kumbh a memorable and secure event by incorporating advanced technology into the security arrangements.

He said, “The tethered drone has exceptional capabilities for capturing high-resolution images, videos, and sensor data. It is adept at monitoring every minor and major activity from above.”

Drone Technology as the ‘Third Eye’

Dwivedi explained that the tethered drone is acting as a "third eye" for the Kumbh Nagar police. Currently, one tethered drone has been deployed, with plans to deploy an additional five to six drones before the event begins.

How Tethered Drones Work

Tethered drones consist of specialized cameras attached to a large balloon or aerial tether, secured with a rope at a fixed height. At the Maha Kumbh, these drones are being installed on high towers, enabling them to monitor the entire fairground from above with unmatched precision.

Advanced Surveillance for Crowd Safety

The deployment of tethered drones marks a significant leap in crowd management and surveillance at the Maha Kumbh, ensuring that the event is both secure and well-organized. This initiative highlights the integration of technology to enhance the safety and experience of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.