Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Prayagraj on Saturday (January 18, 2025) to take part in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand religious gathering drawing millions of devotees.

The minister’s schedule includes taking a sacred dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. He will also perform rituals at significant religious sites such as Akshaya Vat, Patalpuri Temple, Saraswati Kund, and the Hanuman Temple.

This year’s Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, has been attracting pilgrims from across India and the globe. The event holds immense spiritual significance and is known for its ritualistic holy baths, or 'Amrit Snan.'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also expected to visit the fair on January 18. During his visit, he will assess the arrangements for the massive event, focusing on safety and ensuring smooth operations for the visiting pilgrims.

As Maha Kumbh enters its sixth day today, large crowds are expected at the Sangam for the holy bathing rituals. The first royal bath took place on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. The next two significant bathing dates are January 29, marking Mauni Amavasya, and February 3, for Basant Panchami.

To ensure safety, a team of 220 trained divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been stationed at the Sangam. These divers, assisted by 700 boats, work in shifts to provide round-the-clock monitoring during the holy baths. Security personnel from various forces, including the NDRF, SDRF, PAC, water police, and medical teams, are collaborating to manage the event seamlessly.

In addition, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has upgraded its lodging facilities to accommodate the growing number of visitors. A newly built 300-bed deluxe dormitory within the Maha Kumbh area offers comfortable accommodations for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Thanks to these detailed safety protocols and upgraded facilities, this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela remains a spiritually enriching and well-organized event for all attendees.

Ram Nath Kovind's Visit to Maha Kumbh

Former President Ram Nath Kovind is also set to visit the Maha Kumbh, where he'll be the chief guest at a seminar titled "One Election One Country". The seminar, organized by Divya Prem Seva Mission, aims to discuss the importance of having a single election for all levels of government in India, a topic that's been widely debated lately. The event will take place in Sector 9 of the Mahakumbh area, and all preparations for Kovind's visit are complete.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Held once in 12 years, a rare and extraordinary event takes place - the Maha Kumbh. This spectacle is incredibly special because of its unique alignment of the stars and planets, which happens only once every 144 years. Spiritual leaders say this makes the event extremely auspicious and historically significant.

The Kumbh Mela 2025 is one of the largest gatherings of its kind, drawing in millions of pilgrims. The vibrant rituals, cultural events, and profound spiritual experiences create moments of deep connection with the divine and timeless traditions.