Tue Jan 14 16:37:43 UTC 2025: ## Millions Take Holy Dip at Kumbh Mela’s First Royal Bath; Massive Crowds Create Logistical Challenges
**Prayagraj, India** – The first royal bath (“Amrit Snana”) of the 2024-25 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj drew an estimated 35 million devotees to the Sangam confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers on Tuesday. The event, which lasted from 6 am to 6 pm, saw the participation of all 13 Akharas (religious orders), including the Juna Akhara.
The massive influx of pilgrims caused significant logistical challenges. Prayagraj railway station was overflowing, with passengers forced to wait in halls and dispatched to platforms only according to train schedules. Railway officials reported the departure of 55 Kumbh Mela special trains since morning. Authorities implemented a controlled release of passengers from the station to prevent stampedes. Roads leading to the railway station and bus stands were heavily congested.
The sheer number of pilgrims also overwhelmed the city’s resources. All temporary shelters (“rain baseras”) and hotels were filled to capacity, forcing thousands to camp on the streets. Four deaths due to heart attacks were reported since Monday night.
The previous day’s bath on Paush Purnima saw 16.5 million participants, bringing the two-day total to a staggering 51.5 million. The event was marked by a festive atmosphere, with saints chanting “Har Har Mahadev” and the spectacle of saffron-robed ascetics carrying traditional weapons and instruments. This year, the event organizers used the term “Amrit Snana” instead of the traditional “Shahi Snana” (royal bath) following a proposal by the Akharas.
Thick fog further hampered the return journeys of many pilgrims traveling to distant districts from Prayagraj.
Officials from the Mela control room continuously monitored crowd management, while authorities emphasized the importance of safety and security measures, including the deployment of underwater drones for surveillance. Concerns were raised regarding a sadhu suspected of being Muslim, who was subsequently handed over to the police.
Despite the logistical difficulties, many international pilgrims expressed their awe and appreciation for the event and the organization, highlighting the unique spiritual and cultural significance of the Kumbh Mela. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated all involved in the successful execution of the event. The Army was placed on standby to assist with crowd control. Vehicle entry into Prayagraj city was temporarily restricted.
First Piper 