Page 13 - Maha Kumbh Mela

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 ...

Stock markets crash, Maha Kumbh Mela, Z-Morh tunnel, rupee at record low & more

The Maha Kumbh Mela began in Prayagraj today, attracting more than one crore devotees from all across the world on day 1.

Steve Jobs' wife 'Kamala' to attend Maha Kumbh in India, photos viral

Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple and adopted a Hindu name 'Kamala' before her trip to the Maha Kumbh 2025

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

Maha Kumbh 2025: Drone shots of Sangam, devotees take holy dip

Uttar Pradesh CM's office on Monday shared drone shots of nose of Sangam showing taking a holy dip in Maha Kumbh.

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

Over 50,000 QR codes to assist pilgrims at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj

Over 50,000 QR codes are being installed on electricity poles across the Maha Kumbh Mela area, spanning 25 sectors, to assist pilgrims in identifying their location and registering complaints related to electricity issues, a minister of the Uttar Pradesh government said. Speaking during an inspection of the Mahakumbh arrangements in Prayagraj on Sunday, state Minister for Urban Development and Energy, A K Sharma, said, "Currently, over one crore pilgrims from across the country and abroad have gathered at the Mela and the ghats for the holy dip at the Sangam. Over 50,000 QR codes have been installed on electricity poles, which will make it easier for them to determine their location within specific sectors or roads." He added that by scanning the QR codes on their mobile devices, pilgrims can also send suggestions and complaints directly to the control room. According to an official release, Sharma inspected the newly constructed ghats, roads, lighting, drinking water facilities and

Mahakumbh opens on Monday with Rs 25,000 crore revenue expectations

400 mn may join the 45-day congregation; UP expects Rs 2 trn economic spinoff

1.5 mn foreign tourists expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday said that more than 1.5 million foreign tourists are expected to visit the Maha Kumbh. The Tourism Ministry has established a tent city offering facilities such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma to accommodate them, he said. Addressing the inaugural event of 'Kalagram', a centre showcasing Indian cultural heritage and spread over 10 acres in Sector 7 of Nagvasuki area, Shekhawat described the Maha Kumbh as the world's largest fair that embodies India's unity in diversity. He said that over 1.5 million foreign tourists are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh this year. Special efforts have been made by the Ministry of Culture to give Maha Kumbh global recognition, the minister said. He highlighted that Kalagram would be one of the main attractions of the fair, featuring stage performances. It will feature the Char Dhams, a grand entrance replicating the 12 Jyotirlingas, an immersive eternal Kumbh exhibition, a

Youth, students to celebrate Swami Vivekananda's legacy at Maha Kumbh 2025

The Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj is set to witness a "Yuva Maha Kumbh", a mega gathering of youth and students from across the country bound by a common thread: Swami Vivekananda, whose birth anniversary on January 12 is celebrated as National Youth Day. This initiative to mobilise the student community has been undertaken by the Vivekananda Kendra, established in 1972, with its first UP chapter opening in 2006 in Lucknow. The Kendra's motto of 'Man Making and Nation Building' is at its core. "From January 20, the Vivekananda Kendra will hold a Yuva Maha Kumbh at the mega Maha Kumbh. The gathering will include youth and students -- undergraduate, postgraduate, engineering and management students, teachers and those preparing for competitive exams. They will participate in a day-long workshop where the takeaway from Swami Vivekananda's thoughts will be discussed and disseminated," Deep Narayan Pandey (38) head of the Kendra's Lucknow chapter, told PTI. "We will meditate and discuss .

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 .

India, Nepal officials discuss border security ahead of Maha Kumbh, R-Day

Senior administrative officials from India and Nepal held a coordination meeting here on Saturday to discuss border security measures ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela and Republic Day, a statement said. The meeting, chaired by the District Magistrate of Bahraich and other officials took place at the Integrated Checkpost building in Rupaidiha, located along the India-Nepal border, it said. According to the statement the primary objective of the meeting was to bolster border security ahead of Maha Kumbh-2025, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, and Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Officials from both countries deliberated on joint strategies to curb cross-border crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal weapons trafficking, the statement said. They meeting also focused on prioritising the maintenance and repair of border infrastructure to ensure improved security, it added.

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