Prayagraj, Feb 7 (Reporter) In a record of a sort the total count of pilgrims bathing in the holy waters at the sacred confluence of Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna and the invisible Maa Saraswati at Triveni Sangam has surpassed 40 crore on Friday as the Sangam continues to witness an overwhelming surge of devotees during the Maha Kumbh. Saints, Kalpvasis, devotees and householders, filled with deep faith and devotion, have taken the holy dip in massive numbers. By 10 AM an additional 42.07 lakh devotees had taken a dip in the holy waters, further increasing the total number. With 19 days remaining in the grand event, it is expected that the number of bathers may exceed 50 crore. Even after the three Amrit Snan (Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami) in Prayagraj, the enthusiasm of devotees remains unwavering. Pilgrims from across India and different parts of the world continue to arrive in Prayagraj in large numbers each day, seeking spiritual merit through the sacred bath. After the last Amrit Snan festival of Basant Panchami, crores of devotees are still reaching Triveni Sangam. An analysis of the total number of bathers reveals that Mauni Amavasya saw the highest turnout, with 8 crore devotees taking a holy dip. On Makar Sankranti, 3.5 crore devotees participated in the Amrit Snan. Besides, on February 1 and January 30, more than 2 crore pilgrims took the sacred dip each day. Paush Purnima witnessed 1.7 crore bathers, while Basant Panchami recorded 2.57 crore devotees immersing themselves in the holy waters. Several political leaders, celebrities and spiritual figures have also taken part in the sacred ritual. Among them are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with his cabinet ministers. Other notable political figures include Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, Manipur CM N Biren Singh, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Shripad Naik. Opposition leaders and renowned personalities from various fields have also participated, including Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav, Leader of Opposition in UP Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey, Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, and former MP Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua'. Bollywood actors and sports personalities such as Hema Malini, Anupam Kher, Bhagyashree, Milind Soman, Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal, cricketer Suresh Raina, international wrestler Khali and choreographer Remo D'Souza have also been part of the Maha Kumbh. Besides, famous poet Kumar Vishwas, actress-turned-Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara Mamta Kulkarni and actress Esha Gupta have taken the holy dip. Other dignitaries who participated in the sacred bath include Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy, Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad. President Droupadi Murmu is also scheduled to visit Prayagraj to participate in the sacred ritual at Triveni Sangam on February 10...////...