Maha Kumbh Day 2: Over 16 Million Devotees Gather for Amrit Snan on Day 2 of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Prayagraj, January 14, 2025 — The Maha Kumbh Mela witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims on its second day as over 16 million devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam for the sacred ‘Amrit Snan’ (royal bath) on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. This grand ritual, considered a pathway to spiritual purification and liberation from sins, marked the first ‘Shahi Snan’ of the festival.

The day commenced with the ceremonial processions of 13 revered akharas, including Nagas, Sannyasis, and Sikh sects, marching towards the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Dressed in traditional attire and adorned with religious symbols, the saints and devotees took their holy dips while chanting Vedic mantras.

This year’s Maha Kumbh is a spectacle of faith and spirituality, expected to attract over 400 million pilgrims during its 45-day course. Foreign tourists and spiritual seekers from across the globe joined the celebrations, soaking in the vibrant cultural milieu of devotional songs, bhajans, and prayers.

To manage the unprecedented crowd, authorities have deployed enhanced security measures, including AI-enabled surveillance cameras, underwater drones, and over 30,000 security personnel. The festival spans an area of 4,000 hectares, with facilities such as over 150,000 tents, upgraded sanitation, and enhanced electricity connections to accommodate the millions of pilgrims.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to the devotees, emphasizing the importance of this spiritual gathering in promoting unity and India’s rich cultural heritage. He also praised the smooth organization of the event, facilitated by the state administration.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated every 12 years, remains the world’s largest congregation of humanity. It will continue until February 26, 2025, with several other key bathing dates scheduled for devotees seeking spiritual redemption.