Priyanka Tiwari
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The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has entered its final stage after a month-long celebration. Millions of devotees from across the world have flocked to the sacred site. So far, more than 45 crore devotees have taken a dip in the holy Sangam. However, the roads leading to Prayagraj remain in poor condition, with long traffic jams causing inconvenience. Despite these challenges, the number of visitors continues to surge, with thousands eager to reach the holy city before Magh Purnima.
Women Who Stood Out in Maha Kumbh 2025
Several women have gained attention during the Maha Kumbh for their unique presence and contributions.
Mamta Kulkarni’s Spiritual Journey
Among them is Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress known for her roles alongside superstar Salman Khan. She renounced worldly pleasures and became the Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara. However, her decision stirred controversy, leading her to step down from the position. Kulkarni dedicated 23 years to spiritual practice and successfully cleared several religious exams.
Harsha Richaria’s Viral Presence
Harsha Richaria, a disciple of Mahamandaleshwar Kailashananda Giri of Niranjani Akhara, gained popularity on social media due to her beauty and devotion. Originally from Bhopal, she comes from a middle-class background and took spiritual initiation in Uttarakhand, where she spent two years. She has also visited 12 Jyotirlingas.
Monalisa’s Unexpected Film Offer
Another notable figure in Maha Kumbh is Monalisa, who came to Prayagraj to sell Rudraksha beads but unexpectedly caught the media’s attention. Her presence was so striking that filmmaker Sanoj Mishra offered her the lead role in his upcoming film, The Diary of Manipur.
Violence and Accidents at Maha Kumbh 2025
Despite the spiritual nature of the event, certain incidents have raised concerns.
Attack on Kinnar Jagadguru Himanshi Sakhi
A major controversy erupted when Kinnar Jagadguru Himanshi Sakhi was reportedly attacked in Maha Kumbh. She accused Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of orchestrating the attack, claiming that Tripathi arrived with 50-60 armed followers wielding weapons like tridents and axes. The attack was caught on video, adding to the ongoing tensions.
Fire in Kalpvasi Tent
Another alarming incident occurred when a Kalpvasi tent in Sector 19 caught fire due to a gas cylinder leak. The fire department responded swiftly and controlled the flames within 10 minutes, preventing major casualties. However, the tent was completely destroyed. Authorities are investigating the possibility of foul play.
Stampede at Maha Kumbh
On January 29, a stampede broke out, resulting in multiple casualties. The opposition has accused the Yogi government of suppressing the actual death toll. In response, a petition has been filed in the High Court, demanding the formation of a Judicial Monitoring Committee (JMC) to investigate missing persons related to the incident. The government has admitted to a single instance of a stampede, but concerns remain over the total number of missing individuals.
Massive Devotee Gatherings on Key Dates
The Maha Kumbh witnessed record-breaking attendance on the following dates:
- January 13 (Paush Purnima) – 1.70 crore
- January 14 (Makar Sankranti) – 3.50 crore
- January 26 – 1.74 crore
- January 27 – 1.55 crore
- January 28 – 4.99 crore
- January 29 (Mauni Amavasya) – 7.64 crore (highest single-day gathering)
- January 30 – 2.06 crore
- January 31 – 1.82 crore
- February 1 – 2.15 crore
- February 3 (Basant Panchami) – 2.57 crore
- February 9 – 1.57 crore
- February 10 – 1.32 crore
- February 11 – 49.68 lakh
As Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches its conclusion, it continues to witness an overwhelming spiritual fervor, large-scale pilgrimages, and unexpected events. Despite logistical challenges and controversies, the event remains a significant religious and cultural spectacle.
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