The grand Maha Kumbh Mela has commenced today in Prayagraj, UP. This historic gathering at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, draws millions of devotees from India and abroad, united in faith. This year, over 400 million pilgrims are expected to participate. The first royal bath takes place today, and even before the auspicious moment, crowds have started assembling at the holy site.
To make this event truly special, a magnificent shower of rose petals will embrace the devotees in the Maha Kumbh Mela area. Diligently prepared by the horticulture department, rose petals will be gracefully dropped from helicopters over the entire 4000-hectare fairground. The Kumbh Mela horticulture in-charge, VK Singh, shared that they are fully prepared to shower rose petals on each bathing day, with nearly 20 quintals of petals to be used for the floral rains.
Enjoy Aerial Views with Helicopter Rides
To captivate the visitors during Maha Kumbh, helicopter rides have been arranged. The fare has been slashed from 3,000 to just 1,296 rupees per person, as revealed by Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister, Jayveer Singh, in an official statement. These 7-8 minute helicopter rides commence today, offering tourists a breathtaking aerial view of the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh Mela over the city of Prayagraj.
Source: aajtak
How to Book Tickets
As per the tourism department's announcement, you can enjoy the helicopter ride for just 1,296 rupees per person, with online booking available at www.upstdc.co.in, operated by the Government of India's enterprise, Pawan Hans. The helicopter rides will be conducted continuously, subject to weather conditions. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh's tourism and culture department has arranged for water and adventure sports at the fair site, along with drone shows, water laser shows, and other exciting activities scheduled between January 24 and 26.
Source: aajtak
Famed Artists Across the Nation to Perform at Kumbh
This 40-day-long fair will witness performances from renowned artists across the country. An exclusive session will be held on UP Day. On January 16, celebrated singer Shankar Mahadevan will grace the Ganga Pavilion with his performance, while on February 24, famous singer Mohit Chauhan will perform at the grand finale of the fair. This initiative by the tourism department aims to elevate the popularity of the Kumbh Mela among tourists.
The Auspicious Time for the First Royal Bath
The first royal bath of Maha Kumbh falls today on the auspicious occasion of Purnima. According to the Hindu calendar, Purnima begins on January 13 at 5:03 AM and concludes at 3:56 AM on January 14. The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela will host six royal baths. The first royal bath will be held on January 13, with subsequent baths on January 14, 2025, during Makar Sankranti; January 29, 2025, during Mauni Amavasya; February 2, 2025, during Basant Panchami; February 12, 2025, during Magh Purnima; and the final bath on February 26, 2025, during Mahashivratri.
