3'8 tall 'Chhotu Baba', who hasn't bathed in 32 years, is now talk of Maha Kumbh

NEW DELHI: Gangapuri Maharaj , also known as Chhotu Baba from Assam's Kamakhya Peeth , has drawn attention at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj , Uttar Pradesh, for not bathing in 32 years. The 57-year-old, standing at 3 feet 8 inches, attributed his long-standing vow to an unfulfilled wish. "This is Milan Mela.

It’s about connecting souls, which is why I am here," he told ANI on Friday. Expressing his happiness at being part of the event, he added, "I am 57 years old and happy to be here with everyone." The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, will see large crowds from January 13 to February 26.



The district administration is implementing measures to ensure crowd safety and prevent incidents. Efforts include deploying personnel, quick response vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), firefighting robots, and fire mist bikes. Firefighting boats, expected to arrive within a week, will use river water to control fires.

In a technological upgrade, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has introduced a simplified ticketing system. Railway personnel in green jackets with QR codes will assist pilgrims at Prayagraj Junction and other key spots. Scanning the QR code will allow pilgrims to download the UTS mobile app for unreserved ticket bookings, eliminating long queues.

The major bathing rituals, or Shahi Snan, will be held on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami)..