The Maha Kumbh Mela continues to draw immense crowds, with over 4.4 million devotees taking a holy dip by 2 pm on the eighth day of the event, which falls on Monday. As of January 20, more than 80 million pilgrims have bathed in the sacred waters at the Sangam Triveni during the ongoing Maha Kumbh of 2025.
In addition, over one million Kalpvasis have embraced the spiritual journey, immersing themselves in the profound retreat. According to official reports, more than 2.2 million pilgrims visited the Mela by 8 am on Monday, marking another surge in numbers.
Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation into the fire incident at Maha Kumbh, which took place on Sunday, has been addressed by Avinash Chandra, the Director General (DG) of Fire. Chandra assured the public that the police are in charge of the investigation and that local authorities are diligently looking into the matter. He also urged the public to refrain from circulating rumours, emphasizing that the true cause of the incident would be determined after a thorough inquiry.
“The police are handling the investigation, and the cause will be determined after a detailed investigation,” Chandra stated.
In terms of fire safety measures, Chandra provided reassurance, highlighting the comprehensive arrangements made for the safety of attendees. A total of 53 fire stations and 20 fire posts have been set up across the Kumbh area, with over 1,300 firemen deployed, supported by more than 300 fire vehicles. Additionally, the fire stations in Prayagraj district have been significantly reinforced.
“In Prayagraj, we have 9 fire stations, and in the entire Kumbh area, we have 53 fire stations and more than 20 fire posts. The response time is quick, as it takes just three to four minutes for fire vehicles to reach any location,” Chandra assured.
The fire safety measures are considered robust, with a promise of enhanced preparedness as the event progresses.
The fire incident, which occurred due to an explosion of three cooking gas cylinders, fortunately resulted in no casualties. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site and spoke with officials and firefighting teams. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to CM Yogi to discuss the incident and stay updated on the situation.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26.
