Triveni Sangam beckons as countdown to Maha Kumbh 2025 begins

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a sacred gathering for Hindus, held once every 12 years. For 2025, it is scheduled to commence on January 13 with the Paush Purnima Snan, and will conclude on February 26, 2025, along with Maha Shivratri.

Millions of pilgrims and devotees from around the globe will meet where the Ganga river converges. This time MahaKumbh is held at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. (PTI Photo)

'Sadhus' of 'Shri Shambhu Panchayti Atal Akhara' take part in the 'Peshwai' procession, which marks the arrival of 'sadhus' and other members of an 'akhara' or sect for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. (PTI Photo)

Hindus consider the Maha Kumbh Mela an opportunity to absolve sins and attain Moksha, or liberation by taking a holy dip in the Ganga river. (PTI Photo)

Devotees and Naga Sadhus start by performing festival’s most significant rite, that is ceremonial bathing in sacred waterways, also called Shahi Snan. (PTI Photo)

Devotees get their heads shaved before taking a holy dip in the Ganga river during a cold winter morning ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, at Sangam, in Prayagraj. (PTI Photo)

Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to be nearly thrice the size and budget of the last one in 2012. Over 15 state government departments and two of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are aiding the process. (PTI Photo)

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday chaired a review meeting on Maha Kumbh preparations in Prayagraj and asked the officials concerned to respond effectively to those opposing Indian culture and traditions and spreading false propaganda about Maha Kumbh. (Express Phot by Vishal)

Talking to media persons after the meeting, CM Yogi highlighted the development and rejuvenation of Pity. He said, over 200 roads have been upgraded, with single-lane roads converted to double lanes, double lanes to four lanes and four lanes to six lanes. (Express Phot by Vishal)

Adityanath also pointed out that during the 2019 Kumbh, the number of pontoon bridges was increased to 22, and for the coming Maha Kumbh, this has been further raised to 30. Of these, 28 have already been completed, with the remaining two set to be finished within the next three-four days. (Express Phot by Vishal)

Adityanath said, “This Maha Kumbh is a rare and auspicious event occurring after 144 years, and people from across the globe want to experience it firsthand.” He further added that the first holy bath of Paush Purnima will take place on January 13, followed by the second bath on Makar Sankranti, January 14, which will also be an Amrit Snan. (Express Phot by Vishal)

Around 2000 tents are being arranged for devotees' stay at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

The local administration says that all tents will have 5-star facilities. The tent city will offer accommodations in four categories: Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory, with prices ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per day.(PTI Photo)

Preparations for the 2025 Mela are underway, with extensive infrastructure developments focusing on enhancing facilities, ensuring safety, and maintaining hygiene to provide a meaningful experience for all attendees. (PTI Photo)