Page 6 - Kumbh Mela

Building on missions: What Indian state should learn from the Mahakumbh

If the state can conduct such globally significant events without mishap, surely an all-round improvement in governance is possible?

Beating thick fog, intense cold, 16.5 mn take dip on 1st day of Maha Kumbh

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 ...

Mahakumbh 2025 begins: Prayagraj set to see Rs 2 trillion in trade

Mahakumbh 2025 begins: Prayagraj is set to become the largest hub of religious economy in the world as 400 million devotees converge for the biggest religious event

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 highlights: 10 million devotees take holy dip in Sangam

Mahakumbh Prayagraj highlights: Catch all the news updates on the Mahakumbh Mela here

Drones, AI, 450 mn visitors: Mahakumbh kicks off with high-tech security

Mahakumbh 2025, hosting 450 million people from Jan 13-Feb 26, features a multi-layered security system by Uttar Pradesh Police to safeguard Prayagraj's key sites, temples, and akharas

Prayagraj weather update: 35 UP districts witness rain ahead of Maha Kumbh

Weather in Prayagraj: The bad weather is raising concerns among devotees and tourists ahead of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. However, farmers are pleased, as the rain is expected to benefit their crops

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Myth, faith, and astrology behind the celebration

This year, the Maha Kumbh, or Poorna Kumbh, is being held in Prayagraj. Celebrated every 12 years, it is one of the world's largest religious events

Kumbh Mela 2025: Time for stock market cleansing? Here's what history shows

Analysis of the market data by SAMCO Securities shows that the BSE Sensex delivered a negative return during the last 6 Maha Kumbh Mela periods, followed by a net gain in the subsequent 6 months.

Mahakumbh begins in Prayagraj with 6 mn people taking holy dip at Sangam

The Maha Kumbh Mela commenced at Sangam --- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers --- on Tuesday with more than 40 lakh people from different walks of life taking the first holy dip. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the Maha Kumbh to be held from January 13 to February 26 will elevate India's ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence. "So far, more than 40 lakh people have taken a dip," Maha Kumbh Mela officer Vijay Kiran Anand told PTI. Speaking about the significance of 'Paush Purnima', Ashutosh Varshney, the convenor of Prayagraj-based NGO Ram Naam Bank, said the occasion occurs on the 15th day of 'Shukla Paksh' in the Hindu calendar month of 'Paush'. It also marks the initiation of 'Kalpvasa', a period of intense spiritual practice and devotion observed by pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh Mela, he added. The holy city of Prayagraj is now welcoming saints, seers, pilgrims, devotees and citizens from differ

Maha Kumbh 2025: Controversy erupts over Mulayam's statue in fair area

A controversy erupted on Sunday after a statue of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav was installed at a camp in the Maha Kumbh Mela area here, with several seers objecting to it. The statue, around two--three feet tall, was inaugurated on Saturday at the camp in Sector 16 set up by the Mulayam Singh Yadav Smriti Seva Sansthan, Leader of Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey said on Sunday. The move drew criticism from the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. Its president Mahant Ravindra Puri said that Mulayam Singh Yadav had always been "anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan". SP leader Pandey said that the statue of "Netaji" was inaugurated by him on Saturday. "He was our leader, and the camp was organised to spread his thoughts and ideas." "Pilgrims and other people are welcomed to go to the camp, have food, and stay there. A small statue of Mulayam Singh Yadav has been installed in a symbolic manner," Pandey told reporters. He said the idol will be restored to the

UP authorities halve helicopter ride price to Rs 1,296 over Maha Kumbh

A helicopter joyride of Maha Kumbh has now been slashed by more than half to Rs 1,296 per person, according to an official statement. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh in statement said the 78 minute helicopter ride will begin on January 13. "Helicopter joyride of Maha Kumbh will now cost Rs 1,296 per person from the earlier fare of Rs 3,000 rate," the statement said. The ride will give tourists an aerial view of the grand Maha Kumbh area, soaring above Prayagraj city. The joyride can be booked online through www.upstdc.co.in and will be facilitated by Pawan Hans, an undertaking of the Government of India. The rides will operate "continuously" depending on weather, the statement said. The UP Tourism and Culture Department has also made preparations for water and adventure sports at the fair site. From January 24 to 26, a drone show will take place, along with a water laser show and other activities. Renowned artists from across the country will perform during the exten

Govt promotes Maha Kumbh with luxury tents, cultural pavilions, flights

An 'Incredible India Pavillion' showcasing cultural heritage and significance of the Kumbh Mela, luxury tents and enhanced air connectivity, the Ministry of Tourism is beckoning people to visit Prayagraj and explore the mega religious congregation that begins from Monday. Expected to host over 40 crore devotees from across the globe, this 45-day festival from January 13 to February 26 is also expected to draw a large number of tourists and cultural aficionados aiming to explore what is billed as one of the largest religious gatherings on earth. The government on Sunday said the Ministry of Tourism is set to make the Maha Kumbh this year a "landmark event" not only for spiritual gatherings, but also for global tourism. The ministry is rolling out several initiatives to celebrate this momentous occasion, aimed at boosting both domestic and international tourism with the Maha Kumbh -- held every 12 years -- set to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. "To .

UP CM directs officials to run buses from all districts for Maha Kumbh 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to operate buses from all districts to Prayagraj so that people can bathe in the Sangam during the Mahakumbh, according to an official release. The Mahakumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. In a meeting with officials of the Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation on Saturday, Adityanath reviewed the preparations being made by UP Roadways for the Mahakumbh. He instructed that, apart from the major bathing festivals, buses should operate from all districts to Prayagraj throughout the entire Mahakumbh period. Adityanath also emphasised that the timetable for the operation of buses should be widely publicised and also urged that efforts should be made to ensure that devotees face no difficulties during their journey. Additionally, he instructed that bus drivers and conductors should not consume any toxic substances. He also directed that for private buses, the prescribed fare should not

Prasar Bharati launches 'Kumbhvani' FM channel dedicated to Maha Kumbh

Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati's radio division Akashvani on Friday launched 'Kumbhvani'-- an FM channel dedicated to disseminating information related to the Maha Kumbh 2025, an official statement said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the FM channel at the Circuit House during the second day of his Prayagraj tour ahead of the mega religious congregation. "Prasar Bharati has launched the OTT-based Kumbhvani FM channel to disseminate comprehensive information about the Maha Kumbh. Broadcasting at a frequency of 103.5 MHz, the channel will be on air from January 10 to February 26, operating daily from 5.55 am to 10.05 pm," the UP government said in the statement. CM Adityanath expressed confidence that 'Kumbhvani' would not only reach new heights of popularity but also extend the spirit of the Maha Kumbh to remote villages where many people, despite their desire, cannot physically attend the event. He emphasised that the channel would serve as a vital medi

SAIL supplies 45,000 tonnes of steel for upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela

SAIL, country's largest steel maker, on Thursday said it has supplied approximately 45,000 tonnes of steel for the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela which is one of the biggest religious congregations in the world. Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh will host the Maha Kumbh Mela from January 13 to February 25. The total quantity of steel supplied includes chequered plates, hot strip mill plates, mild steel plates, angles and joists, the state-owned firm said in a statement. Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) had also supplied steel during the Mahakumbh Mela of 2013. The steel supplied by SAIL will play an important role in supporting the construction of various temporary structures essential for the smooth conduct of the Mahakumbh Mela. These include pontoon bridges, passages, temporary steel bridges, substations and flyovers, the statement said. Major customers for this steel supply, include the Public Works Department, Uttar Pradesh State Bridges Corporation, Electricity Board and their ...

Mahakumbh Mela: Prayagraj ready for mega event, 7-layer security in place

The state government has also deployed 125 road ambulances and seven river ambulances exclusively for the Mahakumbh

Maha Kumbh Mela projected to earn up to Rs 2 trillion: UP CM Adityanath

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said with an expected turnout of 40 crore devotees this year, the Maha Kumbh is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth. Speaking at the 'Divine Uttar Pradesh: The Must Visit Sacred Journey' conclave organised by a prominent media group, Adityanath acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "inspiring the nation to embrace its heritage with pride", according to an official statement. Sharing the economic impact of the Maha Kumbh, the chief minister said the 2019 event contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy. With an expected turnout of 40 crore devotees this year, the Maha Kumbh is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth, he said. In addition, Adityanath revealed that the year 2024 has already seen over 16 crore devotees visiting Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and more than 13.55 crore devotees in Ayodhya from January to September. The chief minister

Maha Kumbh 2025: Around 56k sq m forests created using Miyawaki technique

The largest plantation, with around 1.2 lakh trees of 63 species, has been done in the Naini industrial area, while 27,000 trees from 27 different species have been planted in Baswar

Maha Kumbh 2025: Top 10 travel destinations to explore in Prayagraj

Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Place to Visit: Maha Kumbh 2025 will take place in Prayagraj. Immerse yourself in India's rich cultural and spiritual traditions by visiting these places there

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Start date, sacred bathing days, other details

Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every twelve years. This year millions of devotees are expected to reach Prayagraj to participate in the event