Historic Visit Follows Stampede Tragedy; Heavy Security Deployed in Prayagraj
President Droupadi Murmu took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam this morning during her visit to the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Visuals captured the President being escorted by security personnel onto a floating jetty, before she carefully descended a ramp to perform the sacred ritual at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Her visit comes just over a week after a tragic stampede claimed nearly 30 lives during the auspicious ‘Mouni Amavasya’, when a massive crowd gathered in the early hours to take a dip.
President’s Itinerary and Key Visits
President Murmu arrived in Prayagraj earlier today, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Apart from offering prayers at the Sangam, she will visit the Bade Hanuman Temple and the Akshayavat tree, a sacred site believed to symbolize immortality in Hinduism.
As part of her extensive eight-hour visit, she will also explore the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre, which provides devotees with an immersive virtual experience of the grand Mela through cutting-edge technology.
Traffic Chaos and Security Measures
Given the high-profile visit, tight security arrangements have been enforced across Prayagraj. However, severe traffic congestion has been reported on major routes leading to the city from neighboring states. In Madhya Pradesh, authorities have implemented traffic diversions, restricting vehicle movement at key junctions along the state border with Uttar Pradesh.
City traffic officials attribute the congestion to an overwhelming influx of vehicles heading towards the Mela site. In response, railway authorities have temporarily shut down the Prayagraj Sangam railway station and imposed a one-way traffic system at Prayagraj Junction.
Unprecedented Devotee Turnout
With the Maha Kumbh 2025 continuing to witness a massive turnout, officials report that at least 44 crore pilgrims have taken a dip in the Triveni Sangam since the festival began last month. Several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have already participated in the sacred bathing ritual.
As the Maha Kumbh progresses, authorities remain focused on managing the overwhelming crowd, ensuring security, and facilitating seamless movement for the millions of devotees gathering for this historic religious congregation.