The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, celebrated as the world's largest human gathering, commenced early Monday on Paush Purnima. For a holy dip, an immense wave of devotees flocked to the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Approximately 1.5 crore pilgrims from India and abroad are expected to participate under stringent security arrangements, marking the auspicious occasion with reverence and unity. Watch to know more!

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Devotees Take 'Shahi Snan' As 45-Day-Long Religious Gathering Begins | WION

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Festival Begins With ‘Shahi Snan’, Devotees Take Holy Dip | World DNA

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Devotees Take Holy Dip As 45-day Spiritual Event

Prayagraj is all decked up to host Mahakumbh 2025 starting Monday (Jan 13) which will continue until February 26, 2025. In the crowd filled with spiritual enlightenment, Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Saturday (Jan 11) at Varanasi on her way to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.&nbsp;
A flock of devotees has gathered at the Triveni Sangam, which stands in the Hindu tradition as the confluence of the Ganges (Ganga), the Yamuna, and the Saraswati River, to take holy dips. It makes this Kumbh Mela unique because of the rare cosmic phenomenon associated with this event, which happens once every 144 years and will not be witnessed again until 2169.
<h2 dir="ltr">Laurene Powell Jobs offers prayers at UP temple ahead of Maha Kumbh </h2>
 Steve Jobs's wife, Laurene Powell, offered prayers by visiting the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi accompanied by Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj from Niranjani Akhara. She wore a pink suit and a white dupatta on her head.&nbsp;
Laurene, who was renamed 'Kamala', will attend the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. According to Giri Ji Maharaj, she will stay in Kumbh and is also planning to take a dip in Ganga.&nbsp;
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Varanasi, UP | Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, along with Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. <a href="https://t.co/TMv1W3t4iw">pic.twitter.com/TMv1W3t4iw</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1878061744381473268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
"She followed the traditions of the temple...As per our Indian tradition, in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. That's why she was made to see the Shivling from outside," Kailashanand Giri said.
He also mentioned that they prayed for the successful completion of the Maha Kumbh without any obstacles. &ldquo;I came here to invite Mahadev. Our disciple Maharshi Vyasanand is with us from America. Tomorrow he is becoming a Mahamandaleshwar in my Akhara," he added.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-story-0/maha-kumbh-2025-up-police-sets-up-impenetrable-security-chakravyuh-in-prayagraj-8611389" rel="dofollow">Maha Kumbh 2025: UP Police sets up 'impenetrable security Chakravyuh' in Prayagraj</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Devotees brave the cold for a sacred dip</h2>
Around 25 lakh people took a dip in the Sangam on Saturday (Jan 11), two days prior to the official commencement of Kumbh. The area was covered with layers of thick fog but that didn&rsquo;t stop the enthusiasm and beliefs of the devotees.&nbsp;
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prayagraj, UP | Devotees take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahaKumbh2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahaKumbh2025</a>, as cold wave and fog engulf the city. <a href="https://t.co/7lVDwn59BP">pic.twitter.com/7lVDwn59BP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1878259243096412288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-are-naga-sadhvis-7-fascinating-facts-about-female-naga-sadhus-8604262" rel="dofollow">Who are Naga Sadhvis? 7 fascinating facts about female Naga Sadhus</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Mahakumbh 2025: Dates&nbsp;</h2>
Kumbh will officially begin tomorrow with the Paush Purnima Snan and will conclude on February 26, aligning with Maha Shivratri. The festival will see multiple Shahi Snan (holy dips) during its course:
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January 13, 2025: Festival begins with Paush Purnima Snan
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January 14, 2025: Makar sankranti (First Shahi Snan)
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January 29, 2025: Mauni amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
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February 3, 2025: Basant panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
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February 12, 2025: Maghi purnima 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prayagraj, UP | Devotees take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahaKumbh2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahaKumbh2025</a> A devotee, Hemlata Tiwari says "It is extremely cold here but we are enjoying a lot. Devotees from all across the country come here. I am very happy that I got this opportunity..." <a href="https://t.co/xO278QM7EO">pic.twitter.com/xO278QM7EO</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1878272438988861900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to run buses from all districts to Prayagraj for the event, making it easier for devotees to reach the Triveni Sangam.&nbsp;
According to the PTI news agency, Kumbh in 2019 saw a total of 25 crore devotees visiting the Sangam. The Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation is preparing to transport millions of devotees, with over 45 crore attendees expected this year, as per data from AI-enabled CCTV cameras in the Mela area.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | Trending: As per our Indian tradition, in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. That's why she was made to see the Shivling from outside," Kailashanand Giri said.

Prayagraj is all decked up to host Mahakumbh 2025 starting Monday (Jan 13) which will continue until February 26, 2025. In the crowd filled with spiritual enlightenment, Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Saturday (Jan 11) at Varanasi on her way to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. A flock of devotees has gathered at the Triveni Sangam, which stands in the Hindu tradition as the confluence of the Ganges (Ganga), the Yamuna, and the Saraswati River, to take holy dips. It makes this Kumbh Mela unique because of the rare cosmic phenomenon associated with this event, which happens once every 144 years and will not be witnessed again until 2169. Laurene Powell Jobs offers prayers at UP temple ahead of Maha Kumbh Steve Jobs's wife, Laurene Powell, offered prayers by visiting the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi accompanied by Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj from Niranjani Akhara. She wore a pink suit and a white dupatta on her head. Laurene, who was renamed 'Kamala', will attend the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. According to Giri Ji Maharaj, she will stay in Kumbh and is also planning to take a dip in Ganga. #WATCH | Varanasi, UP | Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, along with Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. pic.twitter.com/TMv1W3t4iw — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025 "She followed the traditions of the temple...As per our Indian tradition, in Kashi Vishwanath, no other Hindu can touch the Shivling. That's why she was made to see the Shivling from outside," Kailashanand Giri said. He also mentioned that they prayed for the successful completion of the Maha Kumbh without any obstacles. “I came here to invite Mahadev. Our disciple Maharshi Vyasanand is with us from America. Tomorrow he is becoming a Mahamandaleshwar in my Akhara," he added. Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: UP Police sets up 'impenetrable security Chakravyuh' in Prayagraj Devotees brave the cold for a sacred dip Around 25 lakh people took a dip in the Sangam on Saturday (Jan 11), two days prior to the official commencement of Kumbh. The area was covered with layers of thick fog but that didn’t stop the enthusiasm and beliefs of the devotees. #WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | Devotees take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam ahead of #MahaKumbh2025, as cold wave and fog engulf the city. pic.twitter.com/7lVDwn59BP — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025 Also Read: Who are Naga Sadhvis? 7 fascinating facts about female Naga Sadhus Mahakumbh 2025: Dates Kumbh will officially begin tomorrow with the Paush Purnima Snan and will conclude on February 26, aligning with Maha Shivratri. The festival will see multiple Shahi Snan (holy dips) during its course: January 13, 2025: Festival begins with Paush Purnima Snan January 14, 2025: Makar sankranti (First Shahi Snan) January 29, 2025: Mauni amavasya (Second Shahi Snan) February 3, 2025: Basant panchami (Third Shahi Snan) February 12, 2025: Maghi purnima #WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | Devotees take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam ahead of #MahaKumbh2025 A devotee, Hemlata Tiwari says "It is extremely cold here but we are enjoying a lot. Devotees from all across the country come here. I am very happy that I got this opportunity..." pic.twitter.com/xO278QM7EO — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to run buses from all districts to Prayagraj for the event, making it easier for devotees to reach the Triveni Sangam. According to the PTI news agency, Kumbh in 2019 saw a total of 25 crore devotees visiting the Sangam. The Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation is preparing to transport millions of devotees, with over 45 crore attendees expected this year, as per data from AI-enabled CCTV cameras in the Mela area. (With inputs from agencies)

Kumbh 2025: Steve Jobs's wife Laurene Powell prays at Kashi Vishwanath

As Prayagraj prepares to host the Mahakumbh, a massive gathering of devotees, tea vendors from Western Uttar Pradesh have descended upon the Sangam Ghat, braving the cold weather prevailing in the holy city.The Mahakumbh, which takes place every 12 years, is expected to attract over 45 crore devotees.Despite the chilly conditions, devotees are thronging the Sangam Ghat to take a holy dip in the Ganga.
A devotee told ANI, "It feels great after taking a dip here in Prayagraj. We are not feeling cold. Our enthusiasm and belief are way more than the cold we are experiencing..." Tea vendors, who have arrived from Western Uttar Pradesh, are cashing in on the massive gathering. A tea vendor, Ajay Singh, told ANI, "The cost of one cup of tea is Rs 10. Tea does not sell during the day as the sunlight comes out. Who drinks the tea when it is hot? We sell the sea in the morning and evening when it is cold."
<figure class="image"><img alt="Tea vendors.." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/12/5VrxoeDnJwHos5qn4HMc.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Tea vendors.. Photograph: (ANI)</figcaption>
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Another tea vendor who had arrived at 4 am on Saturday told ANI, "I will sell the tea here till 8-9 am. I have not yet sold any cup of tea. I earn between Rs 500-1000 daily."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-story-0/maha-kumbh-2025-up-police-sets-up-impenetrable-security-chakravyuh-in-prayagraj-8611389" rel="dofollow">Maha Kumbh 2025: UP Police sets up 'impenetrable security Chakravyuh' in Prayagraj</a>
However, not all tea vendors are fortunate; a tea vendor complained, "I have not sold any cup of tea. I will make out between Rs 500-1000 if the Mela runs out well.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Tea vendors.." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/12/EaqRKmdSQSaGzmfBnQmK.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Tea vendors.. Photograph: (ANI)</figcaption>
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"Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police have deployed underwater drones and installed 2,700 AI-enabled cameras in and around the Maha Kumbh campsite area to enhance security. A day earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off special shuttle buses of the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation as well as electric buses named 'Atal Seva' on the second day of his tour to Prayagraj.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-kumbh-mela-whats-new-this-year-8607750" rel="dofollow">Maha Kumbh Mela: What&rsquo;s new this year?</a>
The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Maha Kumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (now extinct), to take a holy dip. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26.The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

India News | Trending: Not all tea vendors are fortunate; a tea vendor complained, "I have not sold any cup of tea. I will make out between Rs 500-1000 if the Mela runs out well."

As Prayagraj prepares to host the Mahakumbh, a massive gathering of devotees, tea vendors from Western Uttar Pradesh have descended upon the Sangam Ghat, braving the cold weather prevailing in the holy city.The Mahakumbh, which takes place every 12 years, is expected to attract over 45 crore devotees.Despite the chilly conditions, devotees are thronging the Sangam Ghat to take a holy dip in the Ganga. A devotee told ANI, "It feels great after taking a dip here in Prayagraj. We are not feeling cold. Our enthusiasm and belief are way more than the cold we are experiencing..." Tea vendors, who have arrived from Western Uttar Pradesh, are cashing in on the massive gathering. A tea vendor, Ajay Singh, told ANI, "The cost of one cup of tea is Rs 10. Tea does not sell during the day as the sunlight comes out. Who drinks the tea when it is hot? We sell the sea in the morning and evening when it is cold." Tea vendors.. Photograph: (ANI) Another tea vendor who had arrived at 4 am on Saturday told ANI, "I will sell the tea here till 8-9 am. I have not yet sold any cup of tea. I earn between Rs 500-1000 daily." Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: UP Police sets up 'impenetrable security Chakravyuh' in Prayagraj However, not all tea vendors are fortunate; a tea vendor complained, "I have not sold any cup of tea. I will make out between Rs 500-1000 if the Mela runs out well. Tea vendors.. Photograph: (ANI) "Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police have deployed underwater drones and installed 2,700 AI-enabled cameras in and around the Maha Kumbh campsite area to enhance security. A day earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off special shuttle buses of the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation as well as electric buses named 'Atal Seva' on the second day of his tour to Prayagraj. Also read: Maha Kumbh Mela: What’s new this year? The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Maha Kumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (now extinct), to take a holy dip. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26.The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Maha Kumbh: Tea vendors thrive, adding flavour to the pilgrimage

Preparations are in full swing for the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world&rsquo;s largest and oldest religious gatherings, which takes place once every 12 years. This year, the event will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
Amid rising fervour for the mega spiritual event, a cyber scam is being reported in online ticket booking, and people have been warned against it while being told to be cautious. In a recent reel posted on a social media platform, Instagram, a globally acclaimed international cyber expert, Dr Rakshit Tandon, has warned all followers about online threats ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Speaking in a podcast with Gurpreet, he warned against fake hotel bookings and malicious advertisements being spread by hackers and advised people to only use the official website, kumbh.gov.in, for correct information. 
<figure class="image"><img alt="Representative image of Mahakumbh " src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/05/HmLLnnEtzGsNHLbrBUt3.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Representative image of Mahakumbh Photograph: (PTI)</figcaption>
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The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is in full swing in Prayagraj, attracting millions of devotees to the world's largest religious gathering.<a href="https://twitter.com/ShivanChanana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivanChanana</a> brings you this report by <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptTor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CryptTor</a> Watch more at <a href="https://t.co/dm7SyC0z2e">https://t.co/dm7SyC0z2e</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahakumbh2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahakumbh2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahakumbhmela?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahakumbhmela</a> <a href="https://t.co/EKPZvGjczo">pic.twitter.com/EKPZvGjczo</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1870767929329160311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">Cyber expert's advice for Kumbh online booking&nbsp;</h2>
Dr Rakshit is a prominent global expert in cybersecurity, a civil adviser to law enforcement agencies, and a consultant to CID, Haryana Police. The Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has introduced a simplified ticketing system to help pilgrims with their travel plans.
Dr Rakshit cautioned the pilgrims attending the mela to beware of fake hotel bookings and malicious advertisements online by hackers to deceive people. He urged people to only use the official website, kumbh.gov.in, for accurate information about hotels, cottages, and other facilities.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Dr Rakshit Tandon at a DMRC event " src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/05/dUX6chLX5bna0TeYkKnR.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Dr Rakshit Tandon at a DMRC event Photograph: (DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) X handle )</figcaption>
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Dr Tandon also advised against downloading unknown APK files, such as those sent during the Ayodhya inauguration, which could compromise personal devices. His key recommendation: if you&rsquo;ve downloaded such files, perform a factory reset to safeguard your information. Click here to book:&nbsp; <a href="https://kumbh.gov.in/" rel="dofollow">https://kumbh.gov.in/</a> 
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<h2>Book your comfortable stay now!&nbsp;</h2>
To provide a comfortable stay for pilgrims, IRCTC and UPSTDC have launched luxury tent cities for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
How to book IRCTC tent city Bookings for the IRCTC Tent City can be made at <a rel="noopener" target="_new" href="http://www.irctctourism.com">www.irctctourism.com</a>. Customer support is available via WhatsApp and toll-free lines.
Tent categories and pricing The IRCTC offers four types of tents: deluxe, premium, deluxe with royal bath, and premium with royal bath. Prices range from INR 10,500 to INR 30,000, with luxury rooms during Shahi Snan costing up to INR 16,100. Extra beds cost INR 4,200 to INR 10,500.
Amenities The tents are fully equipped with buffet dining, medical services, shuttle transport, and cultural activities, offering a blend of comfort and spirituality.
UPSTDC luxury tent city UPSTDC is setting up a luxury tent city in Sector 20 (Arail) with 2,000 Swiss-style tents, priced from INR 1,500 to INR 35,000 per night. The camp will be operational from January 1 to March 5, 2025.
(With inputs from agencies)
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India news; Trending: Dr Rakshit Tandon, a cyber expert, has alerted followers to online threats ahead of the Mela, urging them to be cautious while booking tickets online. 

Preparations are in full swing for the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest and oldest religious gatherings, which takes place once every 12 years. This year, the event will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Amid rising fervour for the mega spiritual event, a cyber scam is being reported in online ticket booking, and people have been warned against it while being told to be cautious. In a recent reel posted on a social media platform, Instagram, a globally acclaimed international cyber expert, Dr Rakshit Tandon, has warned all followers about online threats ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Speaking in a podcast with Gurpreet, he warned against fake hotel bookings and malicious advertisements being spread by hackers and advised people to only use the official website, kumbh.gov.in, for correct information. Representative image of Mahakumbh Photograph: (PTI) The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is in full swing in Prayagraj, attracting millions of devotees to the world's largest religious gathering.@ShivanChanana brings you this report by @CryptTor Watch more at https://t.co/dm7SyC0z2e#Mahakumbh2025 #Mahakumbhmela pic.twitter.com/EKPZvGjczo — WION (@WIONews) December 22, 2024 Cyber expert's advice for Kumbh online booking Dr Rakshit is a prominent global expert in cybersecurity, a civil adviser to law enforcement agencies, and a consultant to CID, Haryana Police. The Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has introduced a simplified ticketing system to help pilgrims with their travel plans. Dr Rakshit cautioned the pilgrims attending the mela to beware of fake hotel bookings and malicious advertisements online by hackers to deceive people. He urged people to only use the official website, kumbh.gov.in, for accurate information about hotels, cottages, and other facilities. Dr Rakshit Tandon at a DMRC event Photograph: (DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) X handle ) Dr Tandon also advised against downloading unknown APK files, such as those sent during the Ayodhya inauguration, which could compromise personal devices. His key recommendation: if you’ve downloaded such files, perform a factory reset to safeguard your information. Click here to book: https://kumbh.gov.in/ Book your comfortable stay now! To provide a comfortable stay for pilgrims, IRCTC and UPSTDC have launched luxury tent cities for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. How to book IRCTC tent city Bookings for the IRCTC Tent City can be made at www.irctctourism.com. Customer support is available via WhatsApp and toll-free lines. Tent categories and pricing The IRCTC offers four types of tents: deluxe, premium, deluxe with royal bath, and premium with royal bath. Prices range from INR 10,500 to INR 30,000, with luxury rooms during Shahi Snan costing up to INR 16,100. Extra beds cost INR 4,200 to INR 10,500. Amenities The tents are fully equipped with buffet dining, medical services, shuttle transport, and cultural activities, offering a blend of comfort and spirituality. UPSTDC luxury tent city UPSTDC is setting up a luxury tent city in Sector 20 (Arail) with 2,000 Swiss-style tents, priced from INR 1,500 to INR 35,000 per night. The camp will be operational from January 1 to March 5, 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Mahakumbh:  Cyber expert advises caution with online bookings

In Uttar Pradesh, India, preparations are underway for the Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to take place in January 2025. The event is expected to draw over 400 million attendees, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. To ensure the safety of both pilgrims and tourists, significant improvements have been made to fire safety measures. Our special correspondent, Johan, has more on this development in the following report. Watch in for more details!

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Countdown Begins, What To Expect

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Countdown begins, Uttar Pradesh Govt partners with Google

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Countdown Begins, Uttar Pradesh Govt Partners With Google | WION

The Uttar Pradesh government is constructing a tent city to house the millions of pilgrims expected for the 2025 Mahakumbh. Watch this report for more details!

Mahakumbh Mela To Host 400 Million Pilgrims in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

As India's Uttar Pradesh gears for its biggest pilgrimage gathering known as the Mahakumbh the state government is deploying modern measures to ensure Safety and Security of devotees. Watch in for more details!

Mahakumbh 2025: 40,000 Rechargeable Bulbs To Dazzle Prayagraj

The Uttar Pradesh government has ramped up preparations to ensure a secure and successful Mahakumbh 2025, mobilizing National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF and SDRF) alongside healthcare teams for comprehensive emergency preparedness. Watch this report for more details!

India: Emergency Preparedness in Place for Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the Mahakumbh event, which will begin in January 2025. But with barely a few months left before the event, the Pollution Control Board has given a very alarming report on the holy river Ganga water. Watch in for more details!

India: 'Ganga water unfit for even ritual sipping', says Pollution board

The Uttarakhand government has ordered the Haridwar district administration to register an FIR in a Covid testing scam during the Mahakumbh, an official said on Wednesday.

State government spokesperson Subodh Uniyal told ANI that an order has been issued to file a case against labs from Delhi and Haryana, which conducted testing at five places in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-62224-fresh-cases-2542-new-fatalities-391792">COVID-19: India reports 62,224 fresh cases, 2,542 new fatalities</a>

This action comes days after reports of fake COVID-19 testing during Mahakumbh surfaced. It was reported that at least 1 lakh COVID-19 reports of tests conducted during Kumbh Mela have been found to be fake.

The Maha Kumbh Mela was held from April 1 to 30 this year and was spread over Haridwar district and Rishikesh region, which includes Rishikesh in Dehradun district, Muni ki Reti in Tehri and Swargashram in Pauri.

Earlier on Wednesday, Annop Nautiyal, the Social Development for Community Foundation said: "The COVID-19 test data of Kumbh Mela area and its results were not shared in the public domain, cases, investigations, deaths, recoveries and other information of 13 districts of Uttarakhand were being shared in the state health bulletin In this way, the complete picture of the Kumbh Mela area was never available.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-just-34-for-two-doses-made-in-india-biological-e-vaccine-could-be-90-effective-392081">COVID-19: Just $3.4 for two doses - Made-in-India Biological E vaccine could be 90% effective</a>

"He further said that the ongoing investigation in the matter should not only focus on private labs, but should cover all government labs and all agencies, which were working during that time.

Additionally, he said that due to these alleged irregularities in Haridwar, the COVID-19 data of the entire state has come under suspicion.

"A judicial inquiry should be conducted not only by getting the matter investigated by the agencies of the state government. If any lab or officer is found guilty in this case, then penal action should be taken against them as per law," Nautiyal said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-first-case-of-green-fungus-infection-reported-in-madhya-pradesh-all-you-need-to-know-391837">India's first case of ‘green fungus’ infection reported in Madhya Pradesh: All you need to know</a>

He further said that after the COVID-19 situation is clear, the Uttarakhand government should issue a white paper on the investigation of coronavirus in the Kumbh Mela.

"If any error is found in the data as a final result of the investigation, the Uttarakhand government should accept these mistakes. It should not hesitate and should not hesitate to change the state figures if needed," he said.&nbsp;

The Uttarakhand government has ordered the Haridwar district administration to register an FIR in a Covid testing scam during the Mahakumbh, an official said on Wednesday.

The Uttarakhand government has ordered the Haridwar district administration to register an FIR in a Covid testing scam during the Mahakumbh, an official said on Wednesday. State government spokesperson Subodh Uniyal told ANI that an order has been issued to file a case against labs from Delhi and Haryana, which conducted testing at five places in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela. Also read | COVID-19: India reports 62,224 fresh cases, 2,542 new fatalities This action comes days after reports of fake COVID-19 testing during Mahakumbh surfaced. It was reported that at least 1 lakh COVID-19 reports of tests conducted during Kumbh Mela have been found to be fake. The Maha Kumbh Mela was held from April 1 to 30 this year and was spread over Haridwar district and Rishikesh region, which includes Rishikesh in Dehradun district, Muni ki Reti in Tehri and Swargashram in Pauri. Earlier on Wednesday, Annop Nautiyal, the Social Development for Community Foundation said: "The COVID-19 test data of Kumbh Mela area and its results were not shared in the public domain, cases, investigations, deaths, recoveries and other information of 13 districts of Uttarakhand were being shared in the state health bulletin In this way, the complete picture of the Kumbh Mela area was never available. Also read | COVID-19: Just $3.4 for two doses - Made-in-India Biological E vaccine could be 90% effective "He further said that the ongoing investigation in the matter should not only focus on private labs, but should cover all government labs and all agencies, which were working during that time. Additionally, he said that due to these alleged irregularities in Haridwar, the COVID-19 data of the entire state has come under suspicion. "A judicial inquiry should be conducted not only by getting the matter investigated by the agencies of the state government. If any lab or officer is found guilty in this case, then penal action should be taken against them as per law," Nautiyal said. Also read | India's first case of ‘green fungus’ infection reported in Madhya Pradesh: All you need to know He further said that after the COVID-19 situation is clear, the Uttarakhand government should issue a white paper on the investigation of coronavirus in the Kumbh Mela. "If any error is found in the data as a final result of the investigation, the Uttarakhand government should accept these mistakes. It should not hesitate and should not hesitate to change the state figures if needed," he said.

Uttarakhand govt orders FIR against labs in Mahakumbh COVID-19 testing scam

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