As celebrities and eminent personalities like Hema Malini, Milind Soman, Gautam Adani, Chris Martin, and Anupam Kher made their way to the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, the contrast between their experiences and those of ordinary attendees became impossible to ignore. Especially in the wake of the recent stampede, there's a growing sense of unease as many observe that celebrities are receiving VIP treatment, while common people continue to face struggles. This is despite the UP government's recent decision to cancel VVIP passes post the stampede.
In a recent post by ANI, Hema Malini was spotted taking a holy dip at the Triveni Ghat in Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, accompanied by Baba Ramdev.?
What caught people's attention was not just the serene ritual, but the obvious ease with which it unfolded, starkly contrasting the reality many common attendees face.?
Actor Milind Soman, along with his wife, also visited the Mahakumbh on the same day, joining a list of several other celebrities who had visited earlier.
Over six weeks, an estimated 400 million people are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, yet the situation at the event seems to be divided along VIP lines.
In the comments of the ANI video, reactions ranged from "VIP kumbh mela hai" to "The full VIP system should end immediately. Whoever wants to come, come silently as a common man, take a bath, and go away."?
Some even criticised the atmosphere, with one comment stating, "Everyone is having fun... after such a big incident. Wow, VIP culture has ruined the whole fair."
On the very auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya, one of the biggest Shahi Snans (Royal Baths), a tragic stampede claimed at least 15 lives and left around 70 injured.?
This made the stark contrast between the VIP experience and the common people's struggles impossible to ignore.?
In response to the tragic incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented several measures to enhance safety and order.?
These include a complete no-vehicle zone within the fairgrounds, with all types of vehicles prohibited from entering.?
Additionally, VVIP passes for vehicle entry have been cancelled, ensuring there are no exceptions.?
A one-way traffic system has been introduced to better manage the flow of devotees, while vehicles from surrounding districts are being stopped at borders to reduce congestion.?
To maintain further order, the entry of four-wheelers into Prayagraj will remain banned until February 4.
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.