Maha Kumbh crosses 10 cr milestone for pilgrims bathing at Sangam

Prayagraj: The ongoing Maha Kumbh has crossed the 10-crore milestone for pilgrims taking a dip in Sangam since the start of the world's biggest religious and spiritual congregation on Jan 13, the Uttar Pradesh govt said on Thursday."The 10 crore figure was surpassed at 12pm on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Maha Kumbh," it said in the statement.On Thursday alone, over 35 lakh devotees including 10 lakh kalpwasis took holy dip. The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. The volume of devotees was unprecedented since the first day of Maha Kumbh, and the two main snans-- Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti-- drew a record 1.65 crore and 3.5 crore devotees, respectively. Apart from 13 akharas, the Mela area is showcasing the country's diverse cultural tapestry as devotees from different castes, creeds and countries unite in faith, embodying Maha Kumbh's theme of unity.Recognised as the largest religious and spiritual congregation globally, with seers, sadhus, Kalpwasis, and other devotees camping in over 1.6 lakh tents in the Mela area spread around 4,000 hectares. Moreover, Maha Kumbh encapsulates elements of faith, karma, devotion, meditation and philosophy, offering a mesmerising experience of Sanatan traditions and the universal principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."Pilgrims from nations like the US, Canada, Germany, Russia, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, and beyond are flocking to the tent city, transforming the sandy banks of the Ganga into a global village.The event's cultural and spiritual significance earned it the status of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, further solidifying its global appeal.While the 2019 Kumbh, attended by over 24 crore devotees, was a landmark success, the Mela administration is leaving no stone unturned to make the 2025 Maha Kumbh even grander.With an emphasis on digital technology, enhanced safety measures, and cleanliness, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has infused modernity into this ancient tradition. Extensive arrangements for accommodation, dining and sanitation have been made to ensure a seamless experience for millions of visitors.The illuminated tents on the riverbanks at night create a mesmerising spectacle while the serene environment fosters a sense of peace and spiritual solace.The sacred chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Shri Ram" resonate across the event, enhancing the spiritual ambience. Prayagraj: The ongoing Maha Kumbh has crossed the 10-crore milestone for pilgrims taking a dip in Sangam since the start of the world's biggest religious and spiritual congregation on Jan 13, the Uttar Pradesh govt said on Thursday."The 10 crore figure was surpassed at 12pm on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Maha Kumbh," it said in the statement.On Thursday alone, over 35 lakh devotees including 10 lakh kalpwasis took holy dip. The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. The volume of devotees was unprecedented since the first day of Maha Kumbh, and the two main snans-- Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti-- drew a record 1.65 crore and 3.5 crore devotees, respectively. Apart from 13 akharas, the Mela area is showcasing the country's diverse cultural tapestry as devotees from different castes, creeds and countries unite in faith, embodying Maha Kumbh's theme of unity.Recognised as the largest religious and spiritual congregation globally, with seers, sadhus, Kalpwasis, and other devotees camping in over 1.6 lakh tents in the Mela area spread around 4,000 hectares. Moreover, Maha Kumbh encapsulates elements of faith, karma, devotion, meditation and philosophy, offering a mesmerising experience of Sanatan traditions and the universal principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."Pilgrims from nations like the US, Canada, Germany, Russia, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, and beyond are flocking to the tent city, transforming the sandy banks of the Ganga into a global village.The event's cultural and spiritual significance earned it the status of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, further solidifying its global appeal.While the 2019 Kumbh, attended by over 24 crore devotees, was a landmark success, the Mela administration is leaving no stone unturned to make the 2025 Maha Kumbh even grander.With an emphasis on digital technology, enhanced safety measures, and cleanliness, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has infused modernity into this ancient tradition. Extensive arrangements for accommodation, dining and sanitation have been made to ensure a seamless experience for millions of visitors.The illuminated tents on the riverbanks at night create a mesmerising spectacle while the serene environment fosters a sense of peace and spiritual solace.The sacred chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Shri Ram" resonate across the event, enhancing the spiritual ambience.