10 crore in 10 days: No. of pilgrims at Sangam soars

10 crore in 10 days: No. of pilgrims at Sangam soars

MAHA KUMBH PRAYAGRAJ, 2025 

Kapil.Dixit@timesofindia.com 

Prayagraj : The ongoing Maha Kumbh has crossed the 10-crore milestone for pilgrims taking a dip in Sangam since the start of the world’s biggest religious and spiritual congregation on Jan 13, the UP govt said on Thursday. “The 10-crore figure was surpassed at 12pm on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Maha Kumbh,” it said in the statement. By 8pm, the number reached 10.21 crore. On Thursday alone, over 35 lakh devotees including 10 lakh kalpwasis took the holy dip.

The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. 

Unprecedented footfall at Maha Kumbh since Day 1 

The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. The volume of devotees was unprecedented since the first day of Maha Kumbh, and the two main snans – Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti – drew a record 1.65 crore and 3.5 crore devotees, respectively. Apart from 13 akharas, the Mela area is showcasing the country’s diverse cultural tapestry as devotees from different castes, creeds and countries unite in faith, embodying Maha Kumbh’s theme of unity. Recognised as the largest religious and spiritual congregation globally, with seers, sadhus, kalpwasis, and other devotees camping in over 1.6 lakh tents in the Mela area spread in around 4,000 hectares.

Pilgrims from the US, Canada, Germany, Russia, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, and beyond are flocking to the tent city, transforming the sandy banks of the Ganga into aglobal village. The event’s cultural and spiritual significance earned it the status of Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, further solidifying its global appeal. While the 2019 Kumbh, attended by over 24 crore devotees, was a landmark success, the Mela administration is leaving no stone unturned to make the 2025 Maha Kumbh even grander. 

With an emphasis on digital technology, enhanced safety measures, and cleanliness, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has infused modernity into this ancient tradition. Extensive arrangements for accommodation, dining and sanitation have been made to ensure a seamless experience for millions of visitors. The illuminated tents on the riverbanks at night create a

mesmerising spectacle while the serene environment fosters a sense of peace and spiritual solace. The sacred chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” resonate across the event, enhancing the spiritual ambience