On January 15, 2025, the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj entered its third day, continuing to attract huge crowds of devotees to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati river. Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the ghats to take a holy dip, continuing the sacred rituals of the Mela. The first day of the ‘Amrit Snan’ (January 14) saw over 3.5 crore devotees participate, and the third day continued the flow of visitors.
Security and Crowd Management on Day 3
As the Mela progresses, security is a top priority. The Uttar Pradesh police have deployed 11 tethered drones and anti-drone systems to monitor the vast crowds and ensure safety. Over 50 crore devotees are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela over the course of 45 days, with more than 20 lakh foreign travelers anticipated to attend.
The Director General of Police (DGP), Prashant Kumar, stated that strong security measures are in place, including a special ATS para commando team for additional safety, particularly in the water areas where pilgrims are gathered for the holy dips.
Key Numbers at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
- Over 3.5 crore devotees took the holy dip on January 14, 2025, during the Amrit Snan.
- 50 crore people are expected to attend the Mela over 45 days.
- 20 lakh foreign travelers are expected to visit during the Mela.
- 11 tethered drones and anti-drone systems are deployed for aerial surveillance and crowd management.
- Para commando teams from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) are stationed for added security.
Conclusion
The third day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj continues to see a massive turnout of devotees, with the event set to carry on for the next 45 days. The combination of spiritual significance and robust security arrangements ensures that millions of people can safely take part in the sacred rituals. The Kumbh Mela remains a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India, drawing people from all over the world.