Marvelous, Incredible, Unimaginable: Record-breaking Kumbh Mela

Over 660 million people attended, surpassing US population. Grand Kumbh Mela achieved historical records.
Over 660 million peo

Source: aajtak

On the final day of the spiritual convergence at the Kumbh Mela, over 15.3 million devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam. Since it began on January 13th, more than 660 million pilgrims have participated, which is twice the population of the USA, marking a world record. Many other records were also set during this extraordinary event.

For the first time ever, over 660 million people bathed in the Sangam. People from across the globe traveled to take this sacred dip, prompting the administration to ensure meticulous arrangements to manage such a massive crowd.

Final Day's Dip by 15.3 Million Devotees

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, by 8 PM on the last day, over 15.3 million had bathed in the holy waters. From January 13th onwards, a stunning 663 million people have visited Prayagraj, more than the population of any country, barring India and China.

The grand Kumbh spanned an area 160 times larger than the biggest stadium, witnessing over 660 million attendees.

Source: aajtak

Before the commencement, the UP government had estimated a turnout of 400-450 million, as 240 million had attended in 2019. But the current Mahakumbh surpassed that in 2025. Daily pilgrim counts exceeded 15 million, yet preparations were made for 1 billion attendees.

Thrilling Performances by Sukhoi Fighter Jets

As pilgrims bathed on the final day, the skies were filled with exhilarating aerobatic displays by Sukhoi fighter jets, AN-32 transport aircraft, and Indian Air Force Chetak helicopters, leaving spectators awestruck.

The grand Kumbh spanned 4,000 hectares, attracting visitors from all walks of life.

Source: aajtak

Extraordinary Occurrence After 144 Years

This Kumbh had unique significance, being an event witnessed after 144 years. Despite challenges, the satisfaction on participants' faces after bathing was evident.

Pilgrims from across the globe, from all societal tiers, converged in Prayagraj.

Source: aajtak

A Spectrum of People Immersed in Faith

From noted personas to the common populace, many dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and others immersed in the Sangam. Over 400 VIP protocols were issued.

This Kumbh witnessed 900,000 sadhus and 1 million Kalpvasis present in the area. The massive site hosted over 400,000 tents and 150,000 toilets, with 350 mobile toilets among them.

Global audience, diverse devotees, communing in faith at the world's largest festival.

Source: aajtak

30 Million Pilgrims by Train

Saints and pilgrims partook in six sacred baths, attracting over 30 million train-traveling devotees.

Vast ground area accommodated nearly half of the nation's population.

Source: aajtak

Tragedies Amid Celebrations

Tragically, a stampede during the second sacred bath led to 30 accidental deaths.

Kumbh's Magnificent Scale and Security

The Mela area was 160 times larger than the world's largest stadium. It hosted 25 sectors, 42 Ghats, and 30 pontoon bridges. An elaborate security setup with 37,000 police, 14,000 home guards, and AI-enhanced 2,750 CCTV cameras safeguarded participants.

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