The Maha Kumbh Mela began on Monday in Prayagraj in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where millions of people gathered for the Hindu festival.
Thousands of Hindus take a dip in the cool waters at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, also known as “Triveni Sangam”.
“A very special day for crores of people who value Indian values and culture!” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.
The six-week long festival was inaugurated by Hindu monk and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday. He said, “A hearty welcome to all the revered saints, Kalpavasis and devotees who have come to experience unity in diversity, meditate and take a holy bath at the confluence of faith and modernity. May Mother Ganga fulfill all your wishes.”
Around 40,000 security forces are deployed for crowd protection and management. Authorities are also deploying surveillance cameras with AI capabilities.
Around 25 lakh people are expected to attend the first ritual bath on Monday.
“I am excited but now scared because I did not expect such a crowd. This is my first Kumbh and I have come here only because my mother is very spiritual,” Delhi-based Priyanka Rajput told Reuters.
The river banks have been covered with about 150,000 tents, and 3,000 kitchens, 145,000 toilets and 99 parking spaces have been set up for the pilgrims.
