Shailendra
Prayagraj, 13 January
Paush Purnima, the first ‘Shahi Snan’ day on Mahakumbh festival, has witnessed over 20 million devotees who have taken a dip in Sangam ( confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) on Monday at Prayaraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The Maha Kumbh commenced on Monday with devotees taking a holy dip in Triveni Sangam – a scared confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and ’mystical’ Saraswati in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj this morning as this
day, Paush Purnima in the Hindu calendar, marks the beginning of the 45-day Maha Kumbh festival. Devotees in large numbers, many of whom having 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. In a first, underwater drones that are capable of diving up to 100 meters have been deployed 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
views to identify swelling crowds or areas requiring medical or security intervention. At least 2,700 cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities provide real-time monitoring and facial recognition technology will be used at entry points. Authorities have set up 1,50,000 tents to accommodate the pilgrims, along with additional toilets and sanitation facilities. At least 4,50,000 new electricity connections have been installed, with the Kumbh 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 introduced 98 special trains to make 3,300 trips during the festival.
For healthcare facilities, temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities are set up. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have hailed the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj as the “Mahakumbh of Unity,” a message that resonated widely on social media, with #Ekta_Ka_Mahakumbh trending during Paush Purnima Snan Parv on Monday, the opening day of Mahakumbh. Thousands of social media platform users actively shared photos, videos, and information related to the event, sparking widespread engagement. Several hashtags emerged in these discussions, with #Ekta_Ka_Mahakumbh standing out as the most prominent one. The users used the hashtag, sharing their experiences of the massive crowd, the Sangam Snan, and the deep spiritual significance of Sanatan faith.
The overwhelming social media response aligns with the message of unity emphasised by Prime Minister Modi and CM Adityanath, who described the Mahakumbh as a “Mahakumbh of Unity.” Alongside #Ekta_Ka_Mahakumbh, several other hashtags trended throughout the day, capturing the spiritual fervor of the Mahakumbh. Hashtags such as #MahaKumbh2025, #PaushPurnima, #PavitraSangam, #PrathamAmrit, and #Sangam saw widespread engagement as social media users expressed their reverence for the sacred event. Many also extended congratulations and best wishes to Chief Minister Adityanath for his dedicated efforts in ensuring the grandeur and spiritual magnificence of this historic Maha Kumbh.