Devotees take a holy dip on the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday (Jan 13). Photo: PTI
Maha Kumbh Mela begins, nearly 60 lakh people take holy dip at Sangam
The holy city of Prayagraj is now welcoming saints, seers, pilgrims, devotees, and citizens from different walks of life
The Maha Kumbh Mela commenced at Sangam - the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers - on Monday (January 13) with about 60 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.
Also Read: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj: All you need to know
"Till 9.30 am, around 60 lakh pilgrims had taken a dip," the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement.
Devotees arrive on the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday (January 13). Photo: PTI
Significance of ‘Paush Purnima’
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 different walks of life.
Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025 will be plastic-free, says a UP govt statement
Nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Mahakumbh Nagar on Sunday (January 12), a day ahead of the 'Paush Purnima', the authorities said.
Earlier on Saturday, 33 lakh devotees visited the Mela to bathe in the Sangam, Director Information Shishir said, adding over 85 lakh people had bathed in the river in the past two days.
(With agency inputs)
