The Uttar Pradesh government has increased security as it prepares for the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya' on Wednesday, expected to attract around 10 crore pilgrims to the Maha Kumbh in a single day.
Over the past 17 days, more than 15 crore pilgrims have already taken a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh 2025, according to the state government on Tuesday.
Security measures are at an all-time high for the day, with personnel deployed at every corner, along with AI-powered CCTV cameras and drones monitoring the Mela area, which spans several hectares along the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
The Mela area has been declared a no-vehicle zone for the next few days, and the Prayagraj administration has urged local residents to refrain from using four-wheelers and opt for two-wheelers only when transporting senior citizens to the Sangam.
"Residents are requested to use two-wheelers or walk to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from across the globe," said District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar.
On Makar Sankranti (January 14), 3.5 crore devotees, saints, and Kalpwasis participated in the Amrit Snan, while over 45 lakh devotees had taken the holy dip by 8 AM on Tuesday.
The state government has also planned to shower flower petals from helicopters at 6:45 AM on Wednesday to mark the auspicious occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.
The Amrit Snan (formerly called Shahi Snan) is the grandest and most sacred ritual of the Maha Kumbh Mela, attracting millions of pilgrims to the banks of the Triveni Sangam.
The dates for the Amrit Snan are determined based on astrological combinations of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, which are believed to enhance the spiritual power of the sacred rivers.
Mauni Amavasya falls on the Hindu calendar day of Magh Krishna Amavasya. This is considered the most auspicious date among all the special bathing dates. It is believed that on this day, the water of the holy rivers turns into 'Amrit.'
Mauni Amavasya is also referred to as the 'Amavasya of the Saints'. The bath on Mauni Amavasya is traditionally performed in silence.
Meanwhile, the Prayagraj administration has ramped up efforts to ensure smooth operations, deploying police at strategic points to maintain order across the Kumbh grounds.
To accommodate the large crowds, schools for Classes 1 to 8 across all boards in Prayagraj will remain closed on January 28, 29, and 30. The Allahabad High Court has also declared a holiday on Mauni Amavasya.
The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The Uttar Pradesh government, which is hosting the mega event, expects a footfall of between 40 and 45 crore during this period.
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