Millions of people are taking a holy dip in the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival at Prayagraj, in harsh winter with dense fog dominating the skies. More than 1.597 million people, visited this sacred site on Tuesday to take a holy bath in the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. Over 88.1 million pilgrims have visited since the event started on January 13 and this shows how important this event is since it happens after 12 years.
Challenging Weather Fails to Deter Pilgrims
The India Meteorological Department stated that the Prayagraj city was shrouded with dense fog on Tuesday morning with temperature dropping to 11 degree Celsius. The cold was not a hindrance to the energy of the devotees who turned up in large numbers at the ghats of Sangam to perform the pooja.
In spite of the conditions caused by fog, the aircraft operations in Prayagraj airport did not experience any disruption. On this basis, clearer weather forecasts suggested that later in the day, the devotees would be able to continue participation without interruption.
Sacred Site and Its Significance
The Triveni Sangam is considered one of the holiest locations in India, being the confluence of three sacred rivers: The rivers which are normally associated are the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Bathing at this site during the Maha Kumbh is supposed to wash away a man’s sins and liberate him. This religious event takes place in four locations – Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj and hence every Maha Kumbh is a big event for the devotees.
The event was also graced by Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, who said that she was overwhelmed with joy and got a lot of spiritual satisfaction. ‘I am very excited because this is ‘Teerthraj.’ The Maha Kumbh is held after 144 years and I feel a new hope and extremely happy to be here for three days,” she added. This is in similar vein to the way millions hold this meeting in high esteem.
A Massive Security and Safety Arrangement
Due to large turnout the Uttar Pradesh police has deployed more than 10 thousand persons including local police, paramilitary forces and specialized forces. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed ‘water ambulances’ at Sangam for immediate help in case of an emergency for the pilgrims performing their rituals in the river.
The over the top security procedures are meant to deal with large flow of people and to ensure that everyone has an easy and safe experience.
Calendar of Upcoming Events and Holidays
The Maha Kumbh started on January 13 and will go on till February 26. Key dates for upcoming rituals include:
- January 29: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
- February 3: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
- February 12: Maghi Purnima
- February 26: Maha Shivaratri
All of these dates are considered significant, being attended by millions of extra devotees flocking to Prayagraj for their rituals. Of such days, Mauni Amavasya is one of the biggest where devotees give a vow of silence and take a holy bath in a very pious manner.
A Global Phenomenon In The Religious Sphere
Besides being one of the largest religious fairs in India, the Maha Kumbh is one of the largest the gatherings on the face of the earth. For millions for whom it marks engagement, it is known as a symbol of unity, devotion and spiritual awakening. The fact that millions, going through protracted stormy weather and coming across continents to be embraced by this tradition depicts the essence of the culture and religion it carries.
Looking Ahead
The Maha Kumbh festival continues to advance towards the end in the last week of February and millions are believed to visit the Triveni Sangam. This event not only comprises pilgrims but also a mirror to the Indian ethos and spiritually steeped culture.
With key rituals and festivals approaching, the momentum of this grand religious gathering will only grow, marking the Maha Kumbh 2025 as a historic and unforgettable spiritual event.
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