Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 28: The Uttar Pradesh government has enhanced security measures in preparation for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on ‘Mauni Amavasya’ this Wednesday, which is projected to attract around 10 crore pilgrims to the Maha Kumbh in a single day.
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The Maha Kumbh 2025 has already seen over 15 crore pilgrims take a holy dip over the past 17 days, according to the state government on Tuesday.
Security measures have reached extraordinary levels for this day, with personnel deployed in every corner and the installation of AI-powered CCTV cameras and drones monitoring the Mela area, which spans several hectares at the Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
While the Mela site has been declared a no-vehicle zone for the upcoming days, the Prayagraj administration has earnestly urged local residents to refrain from using four-wheelers and to opt for two-wheelers only if transporting senior citizens to the Sangam.
“Residents are encouraged to use two-wheelers or walk to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from all over the world,” stated District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar.
On Makar Sankranti (January 14), 3.5 crore devotees, saints, and Kalpwasis took part in the Amrit Snan, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
By 8 AM on Tuesday, more than 45 lakh devotees had taken the holy dip, it added.
The state government has also organized a shower of flower petals from helicopters on Wednesday at 6:45 AM to commemorate the auspicious occasion of “Mauni Amavasya.”
The ‘Amrit Snan’ (previously known as Shahi Snan) is the most grand and sacred ritual of the Maha Kumbh Mela, attracting millions of pilgrims to the banks of the Triveni Sangam.
The highlight of the Amrit Snan is the spectacular procession of saints and ascetics from various akharas.
The dates for the Amrit Snan are determined by astrological configurations of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, which are believed to amplify the spiritual significance of the sacred rivers.
Mauni Amavasya is marked on the Hindu calendar as Magh Krishna Amavasya, and it is considered the most auspicious date among all special bathing occasions. It is believed that on this day, the waters of the holy rivers turn into ‘Amrit.’
Mauni Amavasya is also known as the ‘Amavasya of the Saints,’ and bathing on this day is traditionally done in silence.
In addition, the Prayagraj administration has intensified efforts to ensure smooth operations by deploying police at key locations to maintain order across the Kumbh grounds.
To accommodate the large influx of visitors, schools for Classes 1 to 8 across all boards in Prayagraj will remain closed on January 28, 29, and 30. The Allahabad High Court has also declared a holiday in honor of Mauni Amavasya.
The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, commenced on January 13 and is set to continue until February 26. The Uttar Pradesh government, hosting this mega event, anticipates a footfall between 40 and 45 crore during this period. (Agencies)
