Pragyaraj, 25 February 2025 — Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed across the Triveni Sangam on Wednesday as millions of pilgrims from across India took a holy dip on Mahashivratri, marking the final day of the 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 (Paush Purnima), featured grand processions of Naga Sadhus and three Amrit Snans. According to official figures, over 65 crore devotees have attended the event so far.
By 2 a.m. Wednesday, more than 11.66 lakh devotees had bathed in the Sangam. The number surged to 25.64 lakh by 4 a.m., 41.11 lakh by 6 a.m., and 81.09 lakh by 10 a.m., government data showed.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, monitoring arrangements from Gorakhpur at 4 a.m., congratulated the pilgrims. “Hearty congratulations to all the revered saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have come to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam today on Mahashivratri,” he posted on X.
Devotees from across India, including Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, arrived for the final bathing ritual. A group from Nepal also participated. Pinki Devi from Kolkata, who bathed at 3:30 a.m., said she felt “blessed” to take the dip on this auspicious day.
Security personnel maintained strict crowd control, enforcing a “no vehicle zone” in the mela area. “We are prepared to manage the rush at the ghats and major ‘shivalayas’ where devotees will offer sacred water to Lord Shiva,” DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna said. “No VIP treatment will be allowed.”
Mahashivratri, which commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, holds special significance in the Kumbh. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva played a crucial role in the Samudra Manthan, leading to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh (nectar pitcher), the very essence of the festival.
The Maha Kumbh featured six special bathing dates—Paush Purnima (January 13), Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and Mahashivratri (February 26).
Authorities intensified security measures following a stampede on Mauni Amavasya last month that left at least 30 dead and 60 injured. “We expect the footfall today to surpass Tuesday’s 1.33 crore,” Krishna said.
