The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, is being celebrated in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 13 to February 26. Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna, has hailed the event as a “pride of Sanatan” and urged people to focus on internal purity while celebrating the festival. On Tuesday, over 4.55 million people, including 1 million Kalpawasis, took a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
The festival, which attracts devotees from around the world, is expected to host over 45 crore visitors, making it a historic occasion for India. Despite the large crowds, devotees have reported no stampede-like situations, praising the arrangements made by the Uttar Pradesh government. Several Union Ministers, including Amit Shah, Kiren Rijiju, and Rajnath Singh, have also taken a dip at the Triveni Sangam.
The festival has also attracted international pilgrims, including Antonio from Italy and Esther from Spain, who have traveled long distances to attend the event. They have praised the spiritual energy of the Kumbh Mela, with Antonio noting that he felt “fantastic” and “immersed in the blessings” of the event. Esther, who initially felt overwhelmed by the crowds, said she now feels “great” and “transformed” after her experience.
The Maha Kumbh is a significant religious event that takes place every 12 years, where pilgrims flock to the Sangam to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, believed to absolve sins and grant moksha. The festival is a testament to India’s rich spiritual heritage and its ability to attract devotees from around the world.