Around 5 Crore Devotees Have Taken a Holy Dip at the Kumbh Mela

The Simhastha Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016 is expected to see a footfall of 7 crore by May 21.

A Nagasadhu lights up his chillum inside his akhada at the Simhastha Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016 (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

• So far, around 5.5 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Kshipra river, where Simhastha Kumbh mela started late last month. The mega festival, the biggest religious gathering on earth, commenced on April 22 and will go on till May 21.
  

According to our estimate, around 5.5 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Kshipra river so far. By May 21, seven crore people are expected to take a holy dip. 

Bhupendra Singh, Simhastha- Kumbh Mela In-charge Minister, Madhya Pradesh

• Hailstorm and rainfall have twice hit the Kumbh this month, leaving seven dead and more than 40 injured. The state government has spent more than Rs 3,600 crore on making preparations for the gigantic religious event. A portion of this amount has come from the Centre.