A massive gathering of devotees has gathered at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to mark the start of the Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest spiritual gathering. Despite freezing temperatures, devotees took part in the ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) and performed sacred rituals on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.

Global Devotees Flock to Prayagraj

People from all over the world have come to witness and participate in the religious event. The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers, is the focal point of devotion.

A Russian devotee shared his experience, saying, “Mera Bharat Mahaan. India is a great country. We are here at Kumbh Mela for the first time. Here we can see the real India – the true power lies in the people of India. I am shaking because of the vibe of the people of this holy place. I love India.”

Devotees Share Spiritual Experiences

Nikki, another devotee from Cape Town, emphasized the power of the Maha Kumbh, saying, “The Maha Kumbh Mela is very powerful and we are very blessed to be here.”

#WATCH | Prayagraj | A devotee from South Africa's Cape Town at #MahaKumbh2025, Nikki says, "It's very very powerful and we are very blessed to be here at river Ganga…" pic.twitter.com/Zv9d8OkQjV

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Jose, a Spanish devotee, spoke about the spiritual journey, saying, “We are many friends here – from Spain, Brazil, Portugal. We are on a spiritual trip. I took a holy dip and enjoyed it much, I am very lucky.”

#WATCH | Prayagraj | A Spanish devotee at #MahaKumbh2025, Jose says, "We are many friends here – from Spain, Brazil, Portugal… We are on a spiritual trip. I took holy dip and I enjoyed it much, I am very lucky." pic.twitter.com/YUD1dfBgM4

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025

Francisco, a Brazilian devotee, who came to India in search of Moksha, shared his experience: “I came to India for the first time… I practice Yoga and I am searching for Moksha. It’s amazing here. India is the spiritual heart of the world. The water is cold, but the heart is filled with warmth.”

#WATCH | Prayagraj | A Brazilian devotee at #MahaKumbh2025, Fransisco says, "I practice Yoga and I am searching for Moksha. It's amazing here, India is the spiritual heart of the world… Water is cold but the heart is filled with warmth." pic.twitter.com/as1oBQXmGl

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025

Julie, another Spanish devotee, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity: “It is very special for me to be with you all Indians here. I am feeling grateful for this opportunity to dive into the sacred river here at the sacred point. I am fulfilled with bliss at this moment.”

Record Numbers at the Maha Kumbh

According to authorities, nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence a day before Paush Purnima. On Saturday, 33 lakh devotees participated in the holy bath, with over 85 lakh people having bathed in the Sangam over the past two days.

This year’s Maha Kumbh is particularly special due to a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years.

Smooth Arrangements for Devotees

Traffic Police have made detailed arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement and safety for the thousands of devotees. Over 45 crore people are expected to attend the event, which will conclude on February 26.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh | A group of foreign devotees to take holy dip as #MahaKumbh2025 – the biggest gathering of human beings in the world begins with the 'Shahi Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima, today pic.twitter.com/V71rKvSXgL

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025