Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 10 crore pilgrims take dip at Sangam, says UP govt

The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has reached a remarkable milestone, with over 10 crore pilgrims having taken a dip at the Triveni Sangam by Thursday afternoon.

This year’s gathering, which began on January 13 and will run until February 26, has already become one of the largest religious events globally.

According to a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, the 10-crore mark was crossed at noon on Thursday, signaling the massive turnout at the festival. Pilgrims from all over the country—and even the world—have flocked to the Sangam in droves, eager to cleanse themselves in the holy waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

भारत की आस्था, एकात्मता, समता और समावेशिता के जीवंत प्रतीक 'महाकुम्भ-2025, प्रयागराज' में 23 जनवरी दोपहर 12 बजे तक रिकॉर्ड 10 करोड़ से अधिक श्रद्धालु पवित्र संगम में आस्था की डुबकी लगाकर पुण्य लाभ प्राप्त कर चुके हैं।

दुनिया के सबसे बड़े आध्यात्मिक समागम के रूप में मनाए जाने… pic.twitter.com/8EsInsexHy

— Government of UP (@UPGovt) January 23, 2025

The influx of devotees has been particularly high during peak bathing festivals, with daily numbers reaching into the crores.

“On Thursday, the 10 crore milestone was surpassed at 12 PM, marking a key moment in this year’s Maha Kumbh,” the statement read.

The state government had earlier predicted that over 45 crore people would attend the event this year, and the current turnout indicates the festival is living up to its grandeur.

By noon on Thursday, 30 lakh pilgrims had already taken their dip, including 10 lakh ‘kalpvasis’—devotees who are following a month-long vow. The devotion and fervor surrounding the event remain palpable as people continue to arrive in large numbers.

The highest number of pilgrims arrived during the Makar Sankranti festival, with an estimated 3.5 crore attendees, followed by over 1.7 crore on Paush Purnima.

Despite the overwhelming number of people attending the Mela, life in Prayagraj continues with minimal disruption. The district administration has only imposed restrictions on major bathing days, allowing schools, businesses, and other services to operate as usual.

The growing attendance at the Triveni Sangam is a testament to the spiritual significance of the Maha Kumbh, and as the festival continues, it draws millions from around the world, reinforcing its place as a key event in India’s religious and cultural calendar.