MAHAKUMBH NAGAR (UP), Jan 13: The fog was thick, the cold intense and the waters freezing as the Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest gathering, began on Monday with over 1.65 crore people taking a dip in the Sangam in their quest for ‘moksha’ and the belief it will wash away their sins.
Spirituality and astrology, culture and religion, tradition and modern-day technology, it all fused into one in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj.
More than 40 crore people, many from abroad, are expected over 45 days in the mela being held after 12 years. Besides, seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years, making the occasion even more auspicious for the faithful.
And so it was that a sea of people converged in Prayagraj for the fabled Maha Kumbh. Ash smeared sadhus from their abode in the Himalayas, the religious from across the country and abroad and those just curious to take in the sights and sounds of the biggest religious spectacle of all, the Maha Kumbh beckoned them all.
Director Information Shishir told PTI that more than 1.65 crore pilgrims took bath on Paush Poornima.
“Devotees are still taking holy dip and bathing is still going on, and there is a long queue of devotees measuring approximately two kilometres at the Hanuman temple waiting to have a darshan,” he said.
He added said on January 11, around 33.36 lakh pilgrims took a dip and the number reached around 50 lakh the next day.
Thirteen Akharas of seers from different sects are participating in the Maha Kumbh.
And as the famed mela formally began in the darkness of pre-dawn on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’ to the sound of conch shells and bhajans, the excitement was palpable in the sprawling Sangam area as devotees — mostly in groups — walked towards the waters chanting “Jai Ganga Maiyya,” “Har Har Mahadev,” and “Jai Shri Ram”.
Former US Army soldier-turned-ascetic Michael joined the Juna Akhara and is now known as ‘Baba Mokshapuri’.
Sharing his journey of transformation, he said, “I was an ordinary man with a family and career. But I realised that nothing in life is permanent, so I embarked on a quest for salvation. This is my first Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, and the spiritual vibes are extraordinary.”
A devotee from Brazil added, “I practise yoga in Brazil, I have come here for ‘moksha’. This one is very special, once in 144 years. India is like the spiritual height of the world. Sanatan Dharma is my mission of life and it changed my life, it changed the way I see the world, my family. Jai Shri Ram.”
Also in the teeming crowd was Julie from Spain.
“I am feeling grateful for this opportunity to dive into the sacred river here at the sacred point. I am fulfilled with bliss,” she said.
In his message on the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X that Maha Kumbh brings together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture.
“The Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony,” he said.
A group of women from Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharth Nagar was busy singing folk songs. And there was a team of YouTubers from South Korea capturing various shots of the Maha Kumbh as was a team from Japan.
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