'Divya Kumbh, Bhavya Kumbh, Surakshit Kumbh': 100 must-see pictures of Maha Kumbh

Branded with the tagline Divya Kumbh, Bhavya Kumbh, Surakshit Kumbh, the Kumbh was showcased as a model of security and cleanliness. Security and sanitation teams operated in multiple shifts around the clock to ensure a safe and hygienic environment. (Image credit: AP)

The Uttar Pradesh government reported that since January 13, Prayagraj has witnessed crores visitors surpassing the population of every country except China and India. (Image credit: ANI)

An aerial view showcasing luxury tent city cottages established for pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela. The city had four tent categories—Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory—priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 35,000 per day. featuring amenities like air conditioning, beds, sofas, WiFi, geysers, and dining areas.

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Temporary bio-toilets were installed at the Sangam in preparation for the massive gathering. These facilities were part of the efforts to maintain hygiene and sanitation during the event, accommodating the needs of the massive influx of pilgrims. The state government had undertaken extensive infrastructure projects to support the festival's logistical requirements.

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A newly constructed special jetty equipped with bathing and changing facilities welcomed pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela as a part of the extensive preparations to accommodate the spiritual needs of millions, ensuring their comfort and convenience during the festival. The infrastructure stretched 40 square kilometre area to manage the large influx of devotees.

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India’s first Dome City was also built on 3.25 hectares of tourism department land for Maha Kumbh 2025, offering visitors a hill-station-like experience. It featured 44 domes, each 32x32 feet and 15-18 feet high. A total of 176 cottages were being built in Dome City, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, air conditioning, a geyser, and arrangements for satvik food.

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IRCTC's Mahakumbh Gram initiative for Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj offered luxurious tents equipped with modern amenities like hot and cold water, heating system, meals and medical facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for attendees.

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Indian Railways made extensive preparations for the massive footfall expected at the religious spectacular in Prayagraj. The government allocated Rs 5,000 crore to manage the influx of pilgrims and upgrade railway infrastructure. To ensure smooth travel, Union minister Jitendra Singh also ordered the launch of special train services.

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A workforce of 1,000 members constructed 30 pontoon bridges over a year, marking the largest project of its kind. Built at a cost of Rs 17.31 crore, the most expensive bridge, linking Shri Nagvasuki Temple to Jhusi, cost Rs 1.13 crore.

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Sanitary workers taking part in 'Swachata Kumbh' rally, a cleanliness drive campaign organised in Prayagraj, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela.

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A temporary hospital was established at the Maha Kumbh Mela site to provide medical aid to pilgrims. Equipped with essential supplies, doctors, and emergency services, it ensured quick healthcare assistance for attendees amidst the massive crowds.

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Such artistic installations aimed to raise awareness about maintaining cleanliness during the massive gathering, ensuring a hygienic environment for all attendees. The state government designated a special administrative district to manage logistics and sanitation for the event.

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UP Police's all-woman elite commando unit from the anti-terrorist squad (ATS) was deployed to safeguard visitors. Women commandos, alongside NSG counterparts, worked to ensure strict surveillance, especially around the ghats.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Rs 5,500 crore worth of projects for Maha Kumbh 2025 during his December 13 visit to Prayagraj. Emphasising the massive scale of preparations for the 45-day mega event, he said that the arrangements are monumental and that this Maha Kumbh is set to make history.

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UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath called upon a review meeting for Maha Kumbh on January 1. He emphasised that the safety and convenience of visitors is government's top priority. During his visit to Prayagraj, he directed officials to bolster disaster management, cyber security, fire safety, ghat security, and emergency medical services, ensuring round-the-clock vigilance by all security agencies.

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Horse-mounted police officers patrolled the Sangam area in Prayagraj ahead of the Mela. Enhanced security measures, including the deployment of 50,000 personnel, aimed to ensure the safety of the millions of pilgrims expected to attend the festival. Authorities are also utilising AI-powered cameras and crowd-monitoring software to manage the vast gatherings effectively.

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All Akharas are entering the Maha Kumbh Mela cantonment as per tradition and schedule, marking a historic event after 144 years. On January 6, Shri Taponidhi Anand Akhara, devoted to Lord Surya, made its traditional entry.

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Sadhvis, female ascetics, were seen participating in religious activities at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Their presence highlighted the inclusion of women in Hindu monastic traditions, with many engaging in meditation, prayers and discourses during the 45-day-long gathering. (Image source: AP, ANI)

Sadhus, revered ascetics from various sects, Started arriving in Prayagraj from the starting of 2025. Their presence is always central to the event, as they perform rituals, lead spiritual discourses and participate in traditional processions.

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The Maha Kumbh 2025 saw the presence of 13 akharas. Of these, six are Vaishnav akharas: Nirmohi, Nirvani, Digamber, Naya Udasin, Nirmal Akhara, and Bada Udasin. Seven are Sanyasi akharas, which include all Shaivite akharas: Juna, Niranjani, Mahanirvani, Atal, Anand, Avahan and Agni.

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Sadhus participated in the 'Dharam Dhwaja Puja' ceremony of the Akharas ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Such rituals signified the commencement of the Akhara's activities during the festival, reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual traditions associated with the Kumbh Mela. (Image source: PTI)

Artists performing during Nirmal Akhara's 'Peshwai' religious procession marking their ceremonial entry towards the Sangam for the Maha Kumbh on January 11.

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The Maha Kumbh 2025 saw an unprecedented influx of devotees, crossing the 10-crore mark in just ten days after its January 13 commencement.

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Elderly devotees relied on cart rickshaws to commute to Sangam, ensuring a smoother journey through the crowded Maha Kumbh Mela.

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The Sangam area was beautifully lit up ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, creating a mesmerising view before the festival's onset. The lighting arrangements ensured visibility and safety while adding to the grandeur of the sacred site.

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Many pilgrims set up makeshift tents as temporary shelters, braving the elements to immerse themselves in the spiritual experience of Maha Kumbh.

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Families clung together to avoid getting separated in the massive crowds at Maha Kumbh, navigating the sea of devotees with caution and devotion.

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State tourism & culture minister Jaiveer Singh called Maha Kumbh a symbol of Indian faith and said that the state government is working to ensure every devotee has a pleasant and memorable experience.

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Laser light show illuminating the Kali Ghat on the eve of Maha Kumbh 2025, with grand drone and laser shows planned throughout the event. The ministry of tourism & culture also said that regional artists will perform on 20 small platforms for 45 days, showcasing their talent.

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UP government aided by the centre, started the arrangements and preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025 many months earlier, to make devotees' visit hassle-free. More than 50 crore people were expected to visit Prayagraj.

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The Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced on Paush Purnima with 16 million devotees braving thick fog, intense cold, and freezing waters to take a holy dip at Sangam. The world's largest gathering blended spirituality, astrology, culture, and tradition, as pilgrims sought moksha and purification in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj.

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On 13th January, the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, saints and devotees participated in the Shahi Snan of Paush Purnima. (Image source: AP, PTI)

Sadhus immersed themselves in deep sadhanas, meditating and performing rituals in secluded corners of the Maha Kumbh, embodying ascetic devotion and spiritual discipline amidst the sacred gathering.

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A sea of devotees could be seen from the aerial view of the Sangam nose area on the day of Shahi snan.

The Shahi Snan on Makar Sankranti saw Naga Sadhus, saints, and devotees taking a dip in the river at sunrise. Chanting holy hymns, they followed centuries-old traditions, reaffirming the spiritual essence of the Maha Kumbh Mela.

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The Sangam witnessed a massive turnout of 3.5 crore on 14th January as pilgrims gathered for a holy dip on Makar Sankranti. The Akharas participated in the revered 'Amrit Snan', with Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara leading the sacred ritual at dawn.

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On Makar Sankranti, Maha Kumbh 2025 witnessed a grand spectacle as flower petals were showered on devotees taking a holy dip at Sangam. The occasion, considered highly auspicious, is believed to wash away sins, drawing millions to the sacred confluence.

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Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav greeted each other as they offered prayers at Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela. (Image credits: ANI)

Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs visited Niranjani Akhara at Maha Kumbh. (Image credits: ANI)

After holding a cabinet meeting at Arail Sankul during the Maha Kumbh, chief minister Yogi Adityanath and his cabinet took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on January 22. The CM described the ritual as a symbol of Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing that the holy dip conveys a message of spiritual peace, religious dedication, and social welfare.

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Emotional and ecstatic devotees packed the Maha Kumbh, drawn by its rare celestial alignment occurring once every 144 years. This unique astronomical event amplified the festival’s spiritual significance, attracting an unprecedented number of pilgrims seeking divine blessings at the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.

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Mothers tightly held their children's hands, ensuring their safety amid the massive crowds at Maha Kumbh, as millions of devotees navigated the bustling pilgrimage site with faith and devotion.

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Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav took a holy dip at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh on January 26 and said that the occasion should not be used for negative or divisive politics. The former Uttar Pradesh CM took an oath for the welfare of the people, urging everyone to move forward with tolerance.

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Devotees of all ages, from children to the elderly, gathered at the Maha Kumbh with deep faith. Braving cold and fog, they took holy dips at Sangam, seeking spiritual liberation. Elderly pilgrims showed determination, while young seekers engaged in prayers and meditation, making the festival a unifying spiritual experience.

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Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, visited the Maha Kumbh on Tuesday along with his wife Preeti Adani and said that his group is committed to increasing investment in Uttar Pradesh.

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Mauni Amavasya, which fell on January 29, marked another important snan of the Maha Kumbh. The word ‘Mauni’ comes from ‘Maun’, meaning silence, and on this day, gurus, saints, sages, and ascetics embrace complete silence to connect with their inner energies.

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During the Mauni Amavasya, an unfortunate stampede occurred at the Sangam Nose area of Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj, around 1 AM as lakhs of devotees rushed for the holy dip . In response, authorities have enforced heavy police deployment at key entry and exit points to regulate the crowd and ensure safety measures.

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After the stampede , devotees were left distressed, struggling amidst the overwhelming crowd while desperately searching for missing relatives. The chaos and confusion added to the emotional struggle of the affected pilgrims.

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As panic spread, NSG, BSF, and NDRF personnel swiftly created safe passages for devotees and ambulances. Over 3,500 BSF troopers and 20 NDRF teams were deployed across the Mela area. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) made a crucial decision to halt the Amrit Snan for all akharas, allowing authorities to clear the area efficiently. (Image credit: AP)