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Times of Oman
31-01-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Mahakumbh in India: More than 296.4 million devotees take dip in Sangam
Prayagraj: In a spectacular display of faith and devotion, over 296.4 million devotees converged at the sacred Sangam and took a holy dip in the Triveni waters on Friday morning in Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025, according to the Uttar Pradesh Information Department. Among the 296.4 million devotees, over 1 million Kalpwasis while more than 3.3 million pilgrims have taken a dip. As of January 30, a total of 296.4 million devotees have taken dip in the ongoing Mahakumbh. The ongoing religious event has witnessed an overwhelming show of faith, with millions gathering at the Triveni Sangam to mark this event. Meanwhile, a throng of devotees gathered in the Sangam area today to witness the ongoing religious event. One of the devotees, who came from Telangana, expressed his happiness in attending the festival and said - "We get just one chance to be born as a human being and we are very lucky to be able to witness this Mahakumbh Mela." Applauding the government's management, he further urged everyone to attend this festival. "I would urge every proud Hindu to come and attend it. The management and the government of UP and the government of India have been successful in organising this. All facilities have been provided like drinking water, transportation, washrooms, sanitation, and security for women, men, and children. The efforts of the government are appreciable and they are doing their best..." he said. A foreign devotee from Nepal shared his experience of the Mahakumbh and said, "The experience was very good as compared to the rumours we had heard... It felt peaceful..." Riya felt surreal on attending the event and said, "I have come from Lucknow. The snan was amazing. This is such a good opportunity for our generation. It feels surreal. The arrangements are not bad. They (administration) did all that they could, and we are not facing any problems so that's about it..." Another devotee Bablu, from Bihar, said, "I have come from Gopalganj, Bihar. The arrangements are very grand. There is no shortage of anything. The snan was amazing..." Meanwhile, DM Prayagraj, and Ravindra Kumar Mandar, clarified on Friday that there will be no restrictions on vehicle entry in Prayagraj on January 31, February 1, and February 4. He specified that the divergence scheme will only be implemented on February 2 and 3. He also refuted the viral claims stating that vehicle entry would be restricted until February 4. "A news is viral on social media that the entry of vehicles in Prayagraj will be restricted till February 4. This news is completely baseless. The divergent scheme was implemented only for the peak day of Mauni Amavasya. Now, almost all the devotees are returning and the scheme of divergence is being removed by the police. We have instructed the police to remove the barricades. On January 31, February 1 and 4, there will be no restriction on any vehicle. Only on February 2 and 3, on the snan of Vasant Panchami, the scheme of divergence will be implemented. There is a very different process of entry of vehicles into the Mela Kshetra, Mela officials and DIG will inform everyone about it. There is no restriction on the vehicles in the Commissionerate area..," he said. On Thursday, the Yogi Government announced that VIP movement was restricted on major bathing days. All VIPs and VVIPs delegations planning to visit Prayagraj during Vasant Panchami, Magh Purnima and Mahashivratri -- as well as a day before and after these festivals would not receive special privileges. A three-member judicial commission formed to investigate the tragic stampede during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh on Mauni Amavasya, which resulted in the deaths of 30 people officially commenced its work on Thursday. Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26. The remaining significant 'snan' dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
Times of Oman
29-01-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 57 million devotees take holy dip at Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya
Prayagraj: On the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, more than 57.1 million devotees took a holy dip in the Triveni waters on Wednesday, said an official statement from Uttar Pradesh Information Department. The ongoing religious event has witnessed an overwhelming show of faith, with millions gathering at the Triveni Sangam to mark this auspicious day of spiritual cleansing and devotion. The number of Kalpwasis, who observe month-long spiritual austerities, exceeded 1 million, adding to the spiritual fervor. The total footfall for the ongoing Magh Mela has now surpassed 199.4 million, even as a stampede-like situation briefly occurred due to the overwhelming rush at key bathing ghats. Earlier in the day, Members of Akhara's gathered in small numbers at Triveni Sangam to take an 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya. Digambar Naga Baba Chidanand Puri of Panchayati Niranjani Akhara speaking to ANI after taking 'Amrit snan' said that after today's stampede-like situation in Maha Kumbh people from Niranjani Akhara are coming in small numbers to take a holy dip. "Due to an unexpected event today, our (Akharas) shobha yatra could not be taken out. We are now coming to take a holy dip in small numbers," Digambar Naga Baba said. This comes after a stampede-like situation arose at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in several injuries. This incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which is also the day of the Second Shahi Snan. Following the incident, heavy security has been deployed at the Triveni Sangam as police pave the way for Akharas and saints for their Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, 36.1 million devotees had taken the holy dip at Triveni by 10 AM on Wednesday. Other key bathing dates during the Mahakumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
