6 Crore Devotees in 3 Days: Maha Kumbh Mela

In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, devotees are flocking in large numbers for the Maha Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims from all over the world are arriving in large numbers to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. Within the first three days, over 6 crore people have participated in the sacred baths. On Makar Sankranti alone, more than 3.5 crore devotees were reported to have gathered, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.

On the occasion of Sankranti, leaders of Akharas, spiritual centers, Naga Sadhus, and Saints participated in the first royal bath (Shahi Snan). At 3 AM, the first bath was taken by the saints of the Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada, and the state government showered them with flower petals from helicopters.

On the first day, over 1.65 crore devotees took a holy bath during the Pushya Purnima, and on Tuesday, about 3.5 crore joined in. By Wednesday, around 1 crore devotees had arrived at the Triveni Sangam. The highly significant Mouni Amavasya on January 29 is expected to draw over 10 crore devotees, with the government preparing accordingly.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on Sankranti, will conclude on Maha Shivaratri. The event, lasting 45 days, is expected to attract more than 50 crore devotees, including 20 lakh foreign visitors, as per UP DGP Prashant Kumar.