Crores of believers bathe in the eternal glory of Sangam

The sacred banks of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati came alive with a sea of humanity as the Maha Kumbh commenced on the auspicious day of Paush Purnima with over 1.65 crore people took a dip at the holy river.

Pilgrims from every corner of the country, carrying faith in their hearts and offerings in their hands, gathered to take the first holy dip. The air was filled with reverberating chants of “Har Har Gange” and “Jai Shri Ram,” creating an atmosphere of divine fervor.

The devotion of the pilgrims was palpable as they began arriving at the Sangam from midnight, braving the biting cold. Wrapped in woolens, they carried their belongings on their heads, the weight of which seemed insignificant before their unwavering faith. “It feels like a burden lifted from my soul when I take a dip here,” said Savitri Devi, a 65-year-old pilgrim from Rajasthan, as she emerged from the water with a serene smile.

The banks of the Sangam turned into a kaleidoscope of colors as people dressed in traditional attire thronged the ghats. Children played in the shallow waters, their laughter mingling with the chants of mantras, while elders sat in prayer, their lips murmuring sacred hymns. The youthful enthusiasm was especially striking, with many capturing the moments on their phones and sharing them instantly. “It's a proud moment for us to be here and celebrate our culture with the world,” said 22-year-old Aniket Mishra from Allahabad, holding a selfie stick as he stood at the edge of the waters.

The spiritual energy was matched by nature's grace, with a light drizzle the previous night followed by a cool breeze enhancing the sanctity of the occasion. Pilgrims were seen lighting diyas, offering flowers, and performing rituals on the ghats. “The cold water feels like the blessings of the goddess herself. This is not just a bath; it's a spiritual rebirth,” said Ramesh Gupta, a trader from Delhi who had traveled with his family for the occasion.

The elaborate security arrangements ensured a smooth flow of devotees. Police personnel stood alert at every corner, guiding the crowds and maintaining order. Drones hovered overhead, providing real-time monitoring from the Integrated Command and Control Center. “We feel safe and cared for. The arrangements this year are truly commendable,” said Kavita Joshi, a teacher from Uttarakhand.

For many, the Maha Kumbh was not just an act of faith but also a celebration of cultural heritage. The ghats became a stage for impromptu performances of bhajans and folk songs, as groups of devotees formed circles and sang in unison. The atmosphere was electric yet peaceful, a blend of human devotion and divine energy.

Social media was abuzz with posts, photos, and videos from the event. “I shared a live video of the aarti, and my friends back in Mumbai were amazed. This is a part of our culture we should all be proud of,” said Prerna Mehta, a first-time visitor to the Kumbh.

As the sun rose over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the confluence, the Sangam appeared like a painting brought to life. The sight of millions standing waist-deep in the water, hands folded in prayer, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. “This is the heart of India, where the soul of our nation resides,” said Dr. Vinod Kumar, a historian observing the event.

The first day of Mahakumbh also saw a bustling market atmosphere, with devotees enthusiastically shopping for food, puja items, and other essentials from both established stores and small vendors. 

Ramkumar, a food vendor from Hardoi who arrived two weeks ago, shared his experience: “Here, we are not only feeding devotees but also earning spiritual merit. We are not overcharging anyone, and everything is running smoothly.” 

Similarly, Sunil from Bhadohi, who is serving tea at the event, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I've come here for 45 days to earn a livelihood. On this chilly first day, tea is being served to the devotees without any extra charge,” he added.

Mahakumbh 2025 is turning into a unique confluence of commerce and charity, as the first day witnessed both thriving business and widespread acts of generosity. Various organisations set up Bhandaras across the fairgrounds, distributing food and tea in abundance to the countless devotees present.

From piping hot Khichdi to Puri Sabzi, devotees were treated to a variety of meals, while tea was served at numerous stalls throughout the day.

Renowned saints, including Satua Baba, have also extended hospitality by organizing Bhandaras and making arrangements for devotees to stay in their camps, ensuring that no one leaves without being cared for. This seamless blend of spiritual service and economic activity highlights the inclusive spirit of Mahakumbh.

The first day of the Maha Kumbh had already become an unforgettable chapter in the lives of the pilgrims. For them, this was more than a ritual-it was a connection with something eternal, a reminder of the timeless bond between humanity and the divine.