Maha Kumbh crosses 10 crore milestone for pilgrims bathing at Sangam

NEW DELHI: The ongoing Maha Kumbh has crossed the 10-crore milestone for pilgrims taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Thursday.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the count surpassed this milestone on Thursday at 12 PM. The government is hosting the world's largest religious gathering, which commenced on January 13 and will continue until February 26.

The administration noted a steady increase in pilgrim numbers, with lakhs arriving daily for spiritual bathing rituals. The attendance swells to crores during the bathing festivals.

"The 10 crore figure was surpassed at 12 PM on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Maha Kumbh," stated the official release.

The Yogi Adityanath administration had previously projected that more than 45 crore visitors would attend this year's Maha Kumbh.

The devotees' enthusiasm at Prayagraj continues unabated. Visitors from across India and internationally are arriving in substantial numbers to participate in the holy immersion at the Triveni Sangam.

"On Thursday alone, 30 lakh people had bathed at the Sangam by 12 PM, including 10 lakh 'kalpvasis' and other devotees," the statement indicated.

By January 23, the total count of pilgrims who bathed at the Sangam exceeded 10 crore. The Makar Sankranti festival witnessed the highest attendance of approximately 3.5 crore, whilst the Paush Purnima festival attracted over 1.7 crore participants.

Despite the substantial influx of devotees to the Sangam, Prayagraj's daily activities remain undisrupted.
"There has been no significant pressure on daily life in the city.

The district administration has only imposed restrictions on major bathing festival days, while schools, offices, and businesses continue to operate normally," the statement concluded.