Maha Kumbh 2025: Festivities Begin with Morning Ganga Aarti at Sangam

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has officially begun, with devotees participating in vibrant morning Ganga ‘aartis’ across the floodplains of the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. A special Ganga Aarti was held at the Triveni Sangam earlier today, serving as both a spiritual ritual and a rehearsal for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.

Pradeep Pandey, a Prayagraj Teerth Purohit, noted the inclusive nature of the event, where both boys and girls performed distinct rituals. He emphasized that the rehearsals aim to motivate the participants and showcase the openness of Sanatana Dharma.

The Maha Kumbh, celebrated every 12 years, will run from January 13 to February 26. It is expected to draw millions of devotees, with the main bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snan, set to take place on key dates including Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami.

To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the district administration has taken extensive measures, including the inauguration of new fire stations and the deployment of 365 vehicles for fire emergencies. These vehicles include firefighting robots, fire mist bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and firefighting boats capable of utilizing river water to douse flames. ADG Fire Padmaja Chauhan highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns and mock drills to prepare pilgrims for potential incidents.

In addition to safety measures, the administration has introduced a QR code-based ticketing system to simplify travel for pilgrims. Railway personnel in green jackets with QR codes printed on their backs will assist visitors in downloading the UTS mobile app, enabling seamless booking of unreserved tickets without the need to stand in long queues. This initiative, combined with digital payment options, aims to enhance the experience for the millions of devotees expected to attend.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to blend age-old traditions with modern technological solutions, ensuring a spiritual yet secure experience for all attendees.