LUCKNOW: The Maha Kumbh Mela commenced at Sangam the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers on Monday with more than 40 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.
“So far, more than 40 lakh people have taken a dip,” Maha Kumbh Mela officer Vijay Kiran Anand told reporters.
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.
Nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Mahakumbh Nagar on Sunday, 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.
The first Amrit Snan (auspicious bath) is scheduled to take place on January 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, during which all akharas will take ceremonial dips in an ordained sequence.
Expected to host over 40 crore devotees from across the globe, this 45-day mega festival is also expected to draw a large number of tourists and cultural aficionados aiming to explore what is billed as one of the largest religious gatherings on earth.
The Culture Ministry, in a statement on Sunday, shared names of some of the most celebrated singers who, it said are scheduled to perform in the holy city. The line-up includes names of Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan, Kailash Kher, Hans Raj Hans, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Maithili Thakur.
Singer Shankar Mahadevan is scheduled to perform at the Ganga Pandal here on January 16. The closing performance will be given by Mohit Chauhan on February 24, the statement said.
Meanwhile, helicopter joyride of Maha Kumbh has now been slashed by more than half to Rs 1,296 per person, according to an official statement.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh in statement said the 7–8-minute helicopter ride will begin on January 13.
“Helicopter joyride of Maha Kumbh will now cost Rs 1,296 per person from the earlier fare of Rs 3,000 rate,” the statement said.
The ride will give tourists an aerial view of the grand Maha Kumbh area, soaring above Prayagraj city.
The joyride can be booked online through www.upstdc.co.in and will be facilitated by Pawan Hans, an undertaking of the Government of India.
The rides will operate “continuously” depending on weather, the statement said. The UP Tourism and Culture Department has also made preparations for water and adventure sports at the fair site.
From January 24 to 26, a drone show will take place, along with a water laser show and other activities.
Officials remain on high alert, ensuring arrangements for crowd management, sanitation, and public safety are in place.