As the Maha Kumbh 2025 began in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, lakhs of devoted pilgrims from different backgrounds took a holy dip in the river Ganga despite the harsh weather conditions. The state government reported that 60 lakh pilgrims had already taken the dip by 9:30 am and a large number of devotees from India and abroad also joined in the celebrations. The ceremony was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who highlighted the message of unity in diversity and the encounter with Sanatan for the welfare of humanity in Prayagraj.
The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Celebration of Unity and Spirituality
Introduction The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in the world. Held every 12 years, it draws millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad. The 2025 edition of the Mela is currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and has already witnessed a massive influx of devotees.
Origins and Significance The Maha Kumbh Mela traces its origins to Hindu mythology. According to legend, a few drops of Amrita (the nectar of immortality) were spilled at four different locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. These places became known as the "Sangams" (confluences). It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of these rivers during the Kumbh Mela washes away sins and brings spiritual liberation.
The Prayagraj Mela The Maha Kumbh Mela is held in rotation at the four Sangams. The 2025 edition is being held in Prayagraj, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are said to meet. The city is considered a sacred destination and has been the site of numerous religious events throughout history.
The Events of 2025 The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 15th and will continue until March 4th. The Mela spans over 55 days and includes a series of religious ceremonies, rituals, and cultural performances. One of the highlights of the Mela is the Shahi Snan (royal bath), where millions of pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganga.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is the Maha Kumbh Mela held every 12 years? The Maha Kumbh Mela is held after every 12 Jupiter revolutions around the sun. According to astrological calculations, this occurs every 12 years.
2. What are the benefits of taking a dip in the holy waters? Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the holy waters during the Maha Kumbh Mela washes away sins, brings spiritual liberation, and grants blessings.
3. How many pilgrims attend the Maha Kumbh Mela? The Maha Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims from India and abroad. In 2019, the Mela in Prayagraj drew over 150 million devotees.
4. What are some of the key rituals and ceremonies performed during the Mela? The Maha Kumbh Mela includes a series of religious ceremonies, rituals, and cultural performances. Some of the most prominent rituals include the Shahi Snan, the Akhara (religious order) processions, and the Nag Panchami festival.
5. What are the challenges faced by organizers during the Maha Kumbh Mela? Organizers of the Maha Kumbh Mela face a number of challenges, including crowd management, sanitation, and security. The sheer number of pilgrims poses a significant logistical hurdle, and the Mela often requires the deployment of a massive police force.
The Bhaili Mahila Mandal in Jamshedpur, India, celebrated the 13th Gangaur Sindhara Festival at Rajasthan Bhavan with great enthusiasm. Led by President Kavita Agarwal, women from the Marwari community participated in competitions such as Gangaur Antakshari and Rajasthani folk dance, as well as a traditional attire contest and Gangaur decoration contest. Renowned singer Mahavir Agarwal Munna performed Rajasthani and Gangaur songs, and esteemed guests honored the winners of the competitions. The event also recognized various Marwari women for their contributions to the community, including Rupa Jain for her life-saving liver donation and social media influencer Priya Sharma for promoting Marwari traditions online. The Bhaili Mahila Mandal hopes to continue celebrating the vibrant Marwari culture through similar events in the future.
The Indian film industry reels in shock and sorrow as veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, known for his powerful patriotic roles, passes away at the age of 87. Renowned actors such as Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn offer heartfelt tributes, recounting how the late actor had a profound influence on their careers and instilled a deep sense of love and pride for the country. The legacy of 'Bharat Kumar' will forever live on in Indian cinema and the hearts of his fans.
Indian cinema mourns the loss of veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 87. Known for his patriotic films, Kumar was also known for his outspoken nature and took a stand against actors who disrespected him. In a case that grabbed headlines, Kumar sued Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan for disrespecting him in their film 'Om Shanti Om', but eventually withdrew the case due to lack of remorse from the defendants. The actor's passing has left a void in the industry and his cremation will be attended by close friends and family on Saturday.
The Indian entertainment industry mourns the loss of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, known for his patriotic roles, as he passes away at 87 in Mumbai due to heart-related complications and liver cirrhosis. Prime Minister Modi pays tribute to the "icon of Indian cinema" and his works that ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. With a career spanning over five decades, Mr Kumar's legacy lives on in the memories of his family, fans, and admirers.
Salman Khan's fans are once again making their voices heard on social media as they trend two tags on Twitter/X. The first tag, "Salman Change Your Team" is directed towards the superstar, urging him to work with more creative and deserving directors instead of relying on his current team. The second tag, "Salman PLS Shelve Ganga Ram" is a plea for the actor to reconsider his upcoming film with Sanjay Dutt, which was confirmed last week. Fans are urging him to work with directors like SS Rajamouli and Lokesh instead of his current team.
In 2007, actor Manoj Kumar expressed his offense towards a particular scene in the film Om Shanti Om, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The scene featured Shah Rukh's character parodying Manoj Kumar's iconic face palm gesture. Shah Rukh eventually apologized and the scene was removed from the film, but the issue resurfaced in 2013 when Om Shanti Om was released in Japan with the scene intact. Manoj Kumar then took legal action, seeking damages of Rs 100 crore. The case shed light on the thin line between parody and offense in the film industry.
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, known for his patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. The news of his passing away broke this morning and tributes have been pouring in on social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, and trade analyst Taran Adarsh, among others, shared their condolences and memories of the legendary actor. Kumar's cinematic legacy will live on through his iconic performances and films.
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, embarked on a 12-day journey from Jamnagar to Dwarka as a spiritual experience before his 30th birthday. During his padyatra, he came across a van carrying chickens for slaughter and decided to purchase and set them free. While his actions were praised by many, some criticized his PR team for the alleged hypocrisy. This incident serves as a reminder that faith is about actions, not just words.
Indian film industry mourns the loss of veteran actor and director Manoj Kumar who passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. Known for his patriotic films, Kumar was also called "Bharat Kumar" for his association with such movies. He was honoured with the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke award for his contributions to Indian cinema. His son has confirmed that the final rites will take place tomorrow. Category: Entertainment Title: Indian Film Industry Mourns the Loss of Veteran Actor and Director Manoj Kumar After a long battle with health issues, the legendary Indian actor and director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. Known for his patriotic films, Kumar was also called "Bharat Kumar" for his contributions to the Indian film industry. His son has confirmed that the final rites will take place tomorrow, as the entire industry mourns his loss.
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar reveals the deep personal connection he has to his upcoming film Kesari Chapter 2 during its trailer launch event. The highly anticipated trailer, featuring some of Bollywood's biggest names including Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday, showcases the historic battle for justice in India after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Akshay Kumar shares that the film holds a special place in his heart as it is based on true events that his father and grandfather experienced firsthand. This eye-opening film sheds light on the struggles faced by India and paints a powerful picture of those who fought for justice and independence.