(Image source from: x.com/MahaKumbh_2025)
According to reports, the authorities in Uttar Pradesh have introduced new regulations concerning bathing and transportation due to the increasing influx of devotees at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The latest guidelines specify designated bathing areas for pilgrims arriving from different regions:
The Sangam and adjacent ghats are allocated for those coming from the Parade Mela area to refresh themselves. Devotees arriving from the Jhunsi fair area will utilize the bathing ghats at Jhunsi. Additionally, those from the Arali region will have their own ghats in the Arali vicinity. To manage the significant pedestrian traffic, a "No Vehicle" zone has been implemented throughout the Maha Kumbh area. Visitors must utilize specific parking zones, with only vehicles authorized by Mela Police allowed entry. However, exceptions are made for emergency medical services, food delivery trucks, and essential logistics vehicles as stated in the reports. Authorities have urged pilgrims to adhere strictly to these regulations to facilitate smooth movement and ensure a safe pilgrimage.
Furthermore, the Northern Railways announced that it will provide special Vande Bharat trains for participants on February 15, 16, and 17. For the convenience of those attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, Vande Bharat Special train No. 02252/02251 will operate between New Delhi and Varanasi (with a stop at Prayagraj) on these dates. Train 02252 is set to depart from New Delhi at 5:30 AM and reach Varanasi at 2:20 PM, passing through Prayagraj at 12:00 PM. Conversely, train number 02251 will depart Varanasi at 3:15 PM (stopping at Prayagraj at 5:20 PM) and is expected to arrive back in New Delhi by 11:50 PM the same day.
In order to enhance the experience for pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh over the weekends, Indian Railways will operate a special Vande Bharat train. This service is scheduled for February 15th, 16th, and 17th. According to Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, the train will depart from New Delhi at 5:30 AM, making its way to Varanasi with a stop in Prayagraj, and is expected to arrive at 2:20 PM. Afterward, it will leave Varanasi at 3:15 PM and return to New Delhi by 11:50 PM.
As reported by the Uttar Pradesh government, the Maha Kumbh has become the largest religious gathering globally, attracting over 500 million direct participants. This remarkable event boasts a larger turnout than the populations of several significant countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, and the United States. Local government statistics indicate that 17 million devotees attended on Paush Purnima, followed by 35 million on Makar Sankranti, 76.4 million on Mauni Amavasya, 25.7 million on Basant Panchami, and 14 million on Magh Purnima. As of Friday at 4:00 PM, over 7.9 million individuals have already bathed at the Triveni Sangam.
