Maha Kumbh 2025: 600 million pilgrims take holy dip

Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with over 600 million devotees taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam since January 13. On Saturday alone, 1.1 crore (11 million) pilgrims participated in the sacred ritual.

Officials estimate the total number of pilgrims will reach 650 million by Maha Shivratri Snan on February 26, making it the largest Kumbh Mela in history. The event, held once every 144 years, will conclude on Maha Shivratri.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the highest turnout was on Mauni Amavasya, with 80 million devotees, followed by 35 million on Makar Sankranti. Other major bathings included: Paush Purnima: 17 million; Basant Panchami: 25.7 million; Maghi Purnima: Over 20 million; additionally, 50 lakh devotees from Nepal have taken the holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP national president J.P. Nadda took part in the ritual, drawing attention from thousands of devotees.

Meanwhile, seven people, including three Maha Kumbh pilgrims, were killed and three others critically injured in two separate accidents in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday.

In Rewa district, a car returning from Prayagraj collided head-on with a truck, killing three passengers from Maharashtra and leaving three others critically injured. The victims were identified as Rakesh Pardesi, Anjana Chaurasia, and Sarita Pardesi.

In Khandwa, a car crashed into a moving dumper truck, leaving four dead and two injured, including a one-and-a-half-year-old girl.

This marks the fourth fatal accident involving Maha Kumbh pilgrims on National Highway 30 in the last fortnight.

As the final holy dip on Maha Shivratri approaches, the surge in devotees has led to heavy traffic jams on highways leading to Prayagraj, particularly the Rewa–Prayagraj route.

With millions expected in the coming days, authorities are ramping up measures to manage crowds and ensure safety at the historic Maha Kumbh.