Learn about the 8 best places to visit in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, including Triveni Sangam, Anand Bhavan, and many other places of interest.

Be ready to brave mammoth crowds (more than 40 crore people will be attending the festivities over the next few weeks) and the cold (temperatures dip till 7 degrees), but if you overcome that, the Maha Kumbh is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj offers a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience with activities like the holy dip, meeting sadhus, and exploring technological innovations.

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a robust safety framework for devotees attending the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj. These include enhanced security presence, advanced surveillance, health and emergency services among others.

Over the coming 45 days, an estimated 400 million Hindus are expected to come together for Maha Kumbh Mela. The festival is held every 12 years but the "Maha" or grand Kumbh Mela takes place only every 144 years, "marking the 12th Kumbh Mela and a special celestial alignment of the sun, moon and Jupiter", said The Guardian.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, officially begins in Prayagraj today, January 13, and will continue until February 26. Held every 12 years, this event attracts millions of devotees and visitors from across the globe.

Tens of thousands gathered to take a dip in holy waters as the Maha Kumbh Mela kicked off in Prayagraj. About 400 million people are expected to attend the six-week festival. DW has the latest.