Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, state leaders to take holy dip at Triveni Sangam today

Maha Kumbh Live: Actor Vivek Oberoi along with his family visits mela

Maha Kumbh Live: More than 2.73 million devotees take holy dip

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Actor Vicky Kaushal taking to reporters says, "I am feeling good. I was waiting to visit Maha Kumbh. I am fortunate as I got the opportunity to come here."

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal at Triveni Sangam today

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Chhattisgarh CM leads 166-member team to Prayagraj

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, state leaders to take holy dip at Triveni Sangam

Chhattisgarh's chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced plans for a collective holy dip at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 on Thursday. The delegation includes the council of ministers, Legislative assembly speaker, governor, MPs, and MLAs visiting Prayagraj. During a press interaction, CM Sai expressed his appreciation to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and the UP legislative assembly Speaker for extending the invitation to attend the Maha Kumbh. Read more

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, governor Ramen Deka, assembly speaker Raman Singh and party MLAs leave for Prayagraj to take a holy dip at Maha Kumbh 2025.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Stunning drone footage of devotees taking holy dip at Triveni Sangam

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: CM Yogi Adityanath’s arrangements garner widespread praise

The exceptional arrangements made under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the world’s largest religious and spiritual congregation have been widely lauded by devotees, kalpavasis, and seers alike.

Seers and sadhus from various Akhadas and organizations have expressed their gratitude to the state government for ensuring seamless arrangements at this year’s Maha Kumbh. Visitors from across the globe have also commended the efforts, highlighting that while the Kumbh has always served as a profound medium to understand and experience the eternal truth of Sanatan Dharma, this Maha Kumbh stands out as extraordinary in many ways.

This year’s event not only encapsulates the values of religion, spirituality, virtue, service to humanity, unity, and righteous actions but also offers a well-organized, safe, and technologically advanced experience, setting a new benchmark for such gatherings.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Former Norwegian minister calls Maha Kumbh a historic gathering

Erik Solheim, former Norwegian Minister for Climate and Environment, attended the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, describing the event as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” and an unparalleled gathering. He commended the sheer scale and spiritual significance of the event, calling it not only the largest spiritual festival but also the greatest human congregation in history.

Expressing his awe, Solheim stated, “Nothing of this magnitude has ever happened anywhere—not in America, Europe, China, or any other part of the world.”

He further highlighted how the Maha Kumbh attracts people from across the globe, not only for divine blessings but also for a profound spiritual and emotional experience, to strengthen bonds with friends, and to celebrate with family. “It was an unforgettable moment for me, and I feel truly happy to be part of this grand event,” Solheim added.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Juna Akhara’s traditional 'Nagar Bharaman Peshwai' procession held in Varanasi

Hundreds of Naga Sadhus from Juna Akhara participated in the traditional ‘Nagar Bharaman Peshwai’ procession on Wednesday, making their way to the akhara headquarters at Hanuman Ghat in Varanasi.

The sadhus had begun assembling at their Chhavani in the Baijnattha area following their Nagar Pravesh on February 9.

“The tradition of taking our deity from Kashi’s ashram to Kumbhs and Maha Kumbhs that take place in Prayagraj is followed. After important baths, the deity is taken back and re-established at Hanuman Ghat ashram,” explained Juna Akhara head Mahant Prem Giri.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Over 2 crore devotees take holy dip at Sangam on Maghi Purnima

Despite heavy traffic congestion caused by the massive influx of devotees, over 2 crore pilgrims thronged the Kumbh Mela area on Wednesday to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima.

According to officials, the cumulative number of devotees bathing at the Sangam has now surpassed 48.25 crore. With 14 days left for the Maha Kumbh to conclude, the total turnout is anticipated to cross the 50–55 crore mark.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Extensive crowd management ensures smooth Maghi Purnima snan

Focusing on effective crowd management, comprehensive arrangements were made to handle the massive influx of devotees arriving at the Sangam for the holy dip on Maghi Purnima, stated DGP Prashant Kumar on Wednesday.

Preparations are now set to begin for the Maha Shivratri Snan on February 26. Highlighting the strategy, Kumar said, “We followed the management principle of ‘Build Back Better’ under which past experiences are used to fill the gaps, and improve continuously.”

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Action taken against social media accounts for spreading misinformation

The Uttar Pradesh Police, actively monitoring digital platforms to curb the spread of false information aimed at defaming the government, announced on Wednesday that action has been taken against seven social media accounts. These accounts were allegedly involved in disseminating misleading and inflammatory content related to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

The crackdown is being carried out under the directives of Director General of Police Prashant Kumar.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Maha Kumbh: More than 2 cr people took bath on 'Maghi Purnima', more than 48 cr so far

Over 2 crore people participated in the holy 'snan' at the Ganga during 'Maghi Purnima' as part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, according to the Uttar Pradesh Information Department. Since the event's start on January 13, over 48 crore people have taken the holy dip.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath offered heartfelt greetings on Maghi Purnima, extending wishes to devotees, saints, and pilgrims. He expressed hopes for happiness, prosperity, and blessings from Lord Shri Hari, Mother Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.

Foreign devotees also took part, with one Australian pilgrim describing the experience as “an unforgettable lifetime memory.” Another visitor highlighted the opportunity for inner peace through the holy dip in the sacred rivers.

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati shared her amazement at the experience, calling the holy dip on Magha Purnima a profound one. Maha Kumbh 2025, which started on Paush Purnima, is the world’s largest spiritual gathering and will continue until February 26, 2025.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: UP govt not releasing correct death toll in Maha Kumbh stampede, alleges Mamata

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to release the accurate death toll from the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, which officially resulted in at least 30 deaths and 60 injuries last month. Speaking at a press conference after the state budget presentation in the Assembly, Banerjee criticized the Uttar Pradesh authorities for allegedly downplaying the tragedy of January 30.

"So many people died in the Maha Kumbh incident, but the correct death toll is not being released. There was so much hype around the event, yet no proper arrangements were made at the venue," Banerjee said.

She also highlighted that the bodies of Bengal residents who died in the stampede were returned without proper documentation, making it difficult for their families to receive compensation. "We conducted post-mortem examinations to ensure the families could get death certificates," she added.

Banerjee criticised the "VIP culture" at the event, stating she avoided taking the holy dip to prevent inconveniencing the common people. She also questioned why the central government did not send a probe panel to investigate the incident.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: 'Those questioning Maha Kumbh arrangements now secretly taking holy dip,' says UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday criticized those who had previously questioned the Maha Kumbh arrangements, claiming they are now "secretly taking a holy dip." He also noted that by Thursday, nearly 50 crore devotees would have participated in the sacred bath at the event. Adityanath was speaking at a public gathering in Baghpat's Chaprauli after unveiling an 'ashtadhatu' statue of late RLD founder Chaudhary Ajit Singh.

Without naming anyone, he remarked, "Some people who criticized the Kumbh are now quietly taking a dip while trying to discourage others." He added that the influx of devotees will continue until February 26.

The chief minister praised Ajit Singh's work for farmers and youth, recalling his sacrifice of a promising career to serve the nation. Adityanath also announced several development projects for Baghpat, including a medical college, an industrial corridor, and improved road connectivity, alongside the launch of 281 projects worth Rs 351 crore.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Devotee from Australia takes holy dip at Maha kumbh calls it 'experience for a lifetime'

A devotee from Australia, who took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the Magh Purnima 'snan' at the ongoing Mahakumbh, described the experience as "a lifetime memory." "Words can't define my happiness and gratitude... this is truly an experience for a lifetime," said the devotee. Another foreigner echoed similar sentiments, calling it an "incredible opportunity to take a holy dip in the Ganga" and experience inner peace. "It’s a blessing to witness so many people participating in this sacred event," they added.

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati also shared her thoughts on the holy dip, calling it an "amazing experience." The Magh Purnima 'snan' concluded successfully on Wednesday, marking a major milestone, according to Urban Development Department Secretary Anuj Jha. "Lakhs of Kalpavasis and crores of pilgrims have visited, and the arrangements have been efficient," Jha said.

The total number of pilgrims visiting the Mela grounds has reached 38.83 million, with over 10 million Kalpwasis. As of February 11, 2025, over 462.5 million devotees have participated in the 'snan,' with the number expected to rise as the festival continues.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: At Maha Kumbh, religious leaders, experts to discuss ways to tackle climate change on Feb 16

In response to growing global concerns over climate change, the Uttar Pradesh government is partnering with the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) to host a climate conclave at the Maha Kumbh on February 16. The event, titled 'Faith of Kumbh and Climate Change,' will bring together religious leaders and environmental experts to discuss solutions to the climate crisis.

UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar emphasized the role of religious leaders in influencing societal consciousness and shared the government’s goal of leveraging their influence for climate action. The conclave will cover a range of topics, including the role of religious leaders in environmental protection, faith-based organizations’ role in disaster relief and climate mitigation, and water security issues.

Religious leaders, including Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Sister Manorama, and Swami Mukundananda, will join experts like Dr. Chandra Bhushan and Dr. Rajendra Singh in addressing the crisis. The government believes that religious leaders, with their grassroots reach and moral authority, can play a key role in driving climate change awareness.

Principal Secretary Anil Kumar highlighted the spiritual dimension of the climate crisis, pointing out the human disconnect with nature. The conclave aims to bridge the sacred and the sustainable, with faith communities playing a pivotal role in climate action.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says 'no proper arrangements in place' at Maha Kumbh

BJP govt created such hype that a large number of people visited Maha Kumbh but proper arrangements not in place, claims Mamata Banerjee

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: This is new Uttar Pradesh, with population of 25 crores and till yesterday, 50 crore people have taken a holy dip in Prayagraj,' says UP CM Yogi Adityanath

UP CM Yogi Adityanath says, "Today, on the occasion of Maghi Purnima, crores of people are taking a dip in the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh... This is the new Uttar Pradesh, with a population of 25 crores and till yesterday, 50 crore people have taken a holy dip in Prayagraj... But some people have the habit of doing it secretly, they got the coronavirus vaccine but kept telling the world not to get vaccinated. They secretly took a dip in the Sangam and came back but are telling the public not to take a dip... When they got the chance, they did nothing..."

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Devotees describe Ganga dip as 'incredible and beyond words'

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Record footfall as over 1.8 crore devotees take holy dips on Maghi Purnima

The ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 has witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with an estimated 46 to 47 crore devotees participating in the sacred event so far. On Tuesday, authorities reported that by 2pm, over 1.82 crore people took a holy dip in the Ganges, marking the fifth major bathing day of the festival. Extensive preparations were made to ensure smooth crowd movement, officials said. Read more

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Learning from challenges to refine crowd management

DGP Kumar highlighted a minor lapse during the previous Mauni Amawasya Snan but stressed that it was used as an opportunity to improve strategies for managing large crowds.

"We follow the principle of 'Build Back Better'—continuously improving upon past experiences. Any issue is treated as an opportunity to enhance our planning, incorporating feedback from both officials and devotees," he stated.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Over 1.82 crore devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam by 2pm on Wednesday.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: '15,000 sanitation workers deployed to maintain cleanliness at Maha Kumbh,' says Anuj Kumar Jha

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Urban development secretary Anuj Jha announces successful conclusion of Maghi Purnima Snan

On the successful completion of Maghi Purnima snan, Urban Development Department Secretary Anuj Jha stated, "The snan of Maghi Purnima has been concluded successfully. It is a huge milestone for us... Lakhs of Kalpavasis and crores of pilgrims have visited here in the last month... Urban Development was the nodal department... All the arrangements are being done efficiently..."

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Over 46 crore devotees take holy dip, says UP DGP

UP DGP Prashant Kumar provided an update on the ongoing Maha Kumbh, stating, "Last snan on Basant Panchami was an 'amrit snan'. Today's snan is the fifth one. The arrangement that was there earlier, it is the same today. In between, there was a huge influx of pilgrims, people are now coming on their own vehicles. Everyday, about 1 lakh vehicles entered the Kumbh area, we changed our strategy, manpower deployment, it helped, and now the pilgrimage is happening smoothly."

He added, "Till now today at around 12pm, more than 1.5 crore people have taken 'snan'. In total around 46-47 crore people have taken holy dip during this Maha Kumbh. It shows that there was success in arrangement of the Maha Kumbh."

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: After spending a month at the Maha Kumbh, Juna Akhara makes a grand Nagar Pravesh in Varanasi on the occasion of Maghi Purnima.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: UP DGP addresses reports on border sealing and crowd management

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Massive security deployment ensures smooth Maghi Purnima Snan

Prayagraj DM Ravindra Kumar Mandar outlined the extensive security and logistical arrangements for the Maghi Purnima Snan at #MahaKumbh2025. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "More than 322 civil officers, more than 9 thousand forces, and more than 60 RAF companies have been deployed. The traffic police have also been deployed in large numbers. Mela special trains and other trains are running normally. This is a historic occasion. On the instructions of the CM and the Administration, we are fully committed that people do not face any problems. Special arrangements have also been made to ease the traffic jams that were there in the last few days. So far, more than 40 crore devotees have taken a dip."

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: BJP MP Jagdambika Pal highlights spiritual unity at Maghi Purnima Snan

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, while speaking to ANI, expressed his excitement about the ongoing Maghi Purnima festivities in Prayagraj, saying, "Today is Maghi Purnima and crores of people have come from across the world for a holy dip at the Sangam. The happiness here cannot be expressed in words, it can only be experienced after coming here. Everyone is equal here in front of Maa Ganga. A mini India is visible here..."

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: BJP MP Jagdambika Pal celebrates Maghi Purnima at Prayagraj

On the occasion of Magh Purnima, one of the most auspicious days for 'snan' at the Maha Kumbh, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal, currently in Prayagraj, expressed his excitement. Reflecting on the significance of the event, Pal shared that "happiness cannot be expressed in words and it can only be experienced after visiting the spiritual event." He also remarked that a "Mini-India" is visible at the Maha Kumbh, highlighting the diverse gathering of people from across the nation.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Prayagraj DM denies border sealing rumours, says Kumbh running smoothly

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: CM Yogi Adityanath monitors Magh Purnima Snan from War Room

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath convened a War Room meeting at his official residence, 5 Kalidas Marg, starting at 4am to oversee arrangements in Prayagraj for the holy Magh Purnima Snan Parv. Joined by the DGP, principal secretary (Home), and officials from the chief minister’s Secretariat, he monitored live updates on TV and provided real-time instructions.

The chief minister’s Office highlighted that CM Yogi had previously held a similar War Room session at 3.30am during the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan to ensure seamless event management.

"The Chief Minister assessed the overall security and logistical arrangements for the Magh Purnima Snan, ensuring that devotees faced no inconvenience and were provided with optimal facilities. CM Yogi instructed officials to maintain tight security at the bathing sites and to make all necessary arrangements for devotees. He emphasized enhancing administrative preparedness, particularly in security measures and traffic management, to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free holy dip at Triveni Sangam for crores of devotees," said the chief minister's office.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Trains overcrowded as pilgrims head to Prayagraj for Maghi Purnima Snan

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Over 1 crore devotees take dip on Maghi Purnima, police ensure smooth crowd movement

DIG of Maha Kumbh Mela, Vaibhav Krishna, stated, “Today is Maghi Purnima and more than one crore people have taken the dip. Our arrangements are quite good and police deployment is there at all places. Crowd is moving comfortably. Our SOPs are being followed.”

Ayodhya Ram Mandir chief priest Acharya Mahant Satyendra Das passes away

Acharya Mahant Satendra Das, the chief priest of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, passed away on Wednesday morning. Das had been admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Neurology ward at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) on February 3 after suffering a brain stroke. Read more

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Streamlined traffic flow with shuttle services for devotees

To prevent traffic congestion within Prayagraj city, vehicles arriving from various locations are being directed to designated parking areas along the Kanpur-Kaushambi road. The administration has arranged shuttle bus and rickshaw services to transport devotees to the Maha Kumbh Mela area from these parking lots, ensuring smooth movement for all.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Large crowds gather at Sasaram railway station to board trains for Prayagraj

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Over 90 lakh devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam by 8am on Wednesday.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Pushp Varsha on devotees at Sangam for Maghi Purnima

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Devotees flock to Har Ki Pauri for holy dip and prayers on Maghi Purnima

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Traffic flow remains smooth on all major routes leading to the Maha Kumbh, with vehicular movement in Prayagraj city also operating normally, despite thousands of people gathering at Sangam for the holy dip on Maghi Purnima.

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Devotees take holy dip at Varanasi's Dashashwamedh ghat on Maghi Purnima

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: UP CM Yogi Adityanath monitors Magh Purnima Snan at Triveni Sangam

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Belgian pilgrim calls Maha Kumbh "The best place in the world"

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: SSP Rajesh Dwivedi highlights enhanced arrangements for Maghi Purnima Snan

SSP Kumbh Rajesh Dwivedi emphasized the enhanced arrangements for the Maghi Purnima Snan, stating, "As you must have seen in the previous 'snan' of Basant Panchami too, our arrangements have been further augmented this time. More deployment has been done at all the pressure points. Along with that, we are briefing people to ensure smooth movement. Those who are staying here and taking rest before the 'snan', they are being asked to take 'snan'." The authorities have made significant efforts to ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees during this auspicious occasion.

Watch: Devotees flock to Triveni Sangam for Maghi Purnima Snan at Maha Kumbh Mela

Maha Kumbh Live Updates: Maghi Purnima rituals and crowd management in full swing

Religious scholar Amitabh Gour told TOI, “Maghi Purnimatithi began on Tuesday evening (6.55pm) and will continue till Wednesday (7.12pm). It is also a day dedicated to honouring ancestors and offering prayers for peace and salvation.” This day also marks the conclusion of the one-month stay of all Kalpvasis at the ghats.

Meanwhile, a continuous flow of devotees has been observed at all 44 ghats spread across Parade, Arail, and Jhusi. Specially assigned 20 teams, supported by the Jal Police, are actively managing the flow of pilgrims at these locations, officials confirmed.