As the Maha Kumbh began on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed this a very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture, stating that the Maha Kumbh embodied India's timeless spiritual heritage and celebrated faith and harmony.
Greeting the nation on the occasion of the Paush Purnima, PM Modi took to social media X to wish all pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay in the Maha Kumbh area,
With the holy bath on Paush Purnima, the Maha Kumbh has started from today on the holy land of Prayagraj. On this divine occasion related to our faith and culture, I salute and greet all the devotees from my heart. I wish that this huge festival of Indian spiritual tradition brings new energy and enthusiasm in the life of all of you."
The PM expressed happiness that countless people were visiting Prayagraj, bathing there, and seeking blessings.
"A very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture! : he said.
Maha Kumbh 2025 begins in Prayagraj, bringing millions of people together in a holy confluence of faith, devotion, and culture. The Maha Kumbh is the epitome of India's eternal spiritual legacy and celebrates faith and harmony," the PM added in his post.
Devotees took a holy dip in Triveni Sangam — a scared confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Monday morning as this day — Paush Purnima in the Hindu calendar — marks the beginning of the 45-day Maha Kumbh festival.
A huge crowd of devotees, many of who have travelled from across India and the world, performed the sacred ritual 'Shahi Snan'.
Expected to host at least 45 crore people, the Maha Kumbh festival from January 13 to February 26, will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the Uttar Police government in and around the city to ensure people’s safety during Maha Kumbh.
For the first time, underwater drones that can dive up to 100 meters have been put across the city to provide round-the-clock surveillance in the Sangam area. Tethered drones – capable of reaching heights up to 120 meters – have also been deployed providing aerial view to identify swelling crowds or areas requiring medical or security intervention. At least 2,700 cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for real-time monitoring and facial recognition technology will be deployed at entry points.
1,50,000 tents have been put up for the pilgrims, along with additional toilets and sanitation facilities. At least 4,50,000 new electricity connections have been installed, and the Kumbh is expected to drain more power than what 1,00,000 urban apartments in the region consume in a month.
Several electric buses are being run for devotees. The Indian Railways has launched 98 special trains that will make 3,300 trips during the festival.
For health facilities, temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities are being erected.
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