Royal Bath on Paush Purnima Marks Start of Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj

Huge crowd of devotees gathered at Triveni Sangam

Devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Monday to mark the beginning of the Maha Kumbh with a 'Shahi Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. A large number of devotees are reaching the banks of Triveni Sangam - the holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and 'mysterious' Saraswati rivers.

On this auspicious occasion, devotees took a holy dip and performed holy rituals. Vijay Kumar, a devotee, said, "The arrangements here are very good. There is a provision for food, drink and lodging, the roads are also good.

Rare astronomical coincidences that occur once in 144 years

We go to Kumbh Mela wherever it is held. I live in a small temple – I go to every pilgrim in India, said another devotee. Chunni Lal, a devotee from Jaipur, Rajasthan, said, "I thank CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Modi, we are all feeling good to be here."

"The government has made good arrangements. I am also thankful to the media, we are going to take a holy bath. Meanwhile, NDRF teams and Jal Police of Uttar Pradesh Police have been deployed at various places to ensure safety of the devotees. This year, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Mahakumbh, has become even more special due to a rare astronomical coincidence that happens once in 144 years.

Kumbh Mela will conclude on February 26

Traffic police authorities have made elaborate arrangements and put in place elaborate plans to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and security for the devotees visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela.

It is noteworthy that the entry route in the Sangam Mela area will be from Jawaharlal Nehru Marg (Kali Road), while the exit route will be from Triveni Marg.

During the major bathing festivals, Akshayavat Darshan will remain closed for visitors. Parking lots for vehicles coming from Jaunpur will include Sugar Mill Parking, Purva Surdas Parking, Garapur Road, Spartan Mandir Cachar Parking and Badra Saunoti Rahimapur Road, North/South Parking.

The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years and more than 45 crore devotees are expected to visit the event. The Kumbh Mela will conclude on February 26.