Daijiworld Media Network- Prayagraj
Prayagraj, Feb 26: Amid the resonating chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, lacs of devotees from across the country thronged the Triveni Sangam on Maha Shivratri, marking the final holy dip of the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh 2025.
The once-in-12-years spectacle, which commenced on January 13 (Paush Purnima), has witnessed unprecedented footfall, surpassing 65 cr pilgrims. The grand event included majestic processions of Naga sadhus and three ‘Amrit Snans’, drawing devotees from all corners of India and even from Nepal.
As per government data, over 11.66 lac devotees had bathed at Sangam by 2am. This number surged to 25.64 lac within two hours and climbed to 41.11 lac by 6am. By Tuesday, a staggering 1.33 cr devotees had taken the dip, pushing the overall Maha Kumbh 2025 footfall past 64 cr.
A large number of pilgrims had begun assembling at the ghats close to midnight, waiting for the ‘Brahma Muhurt’ to take the auspicious dip.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath monitored the proceedings from Gorakhpur since 4 AM. In a post on X, he extended his greetings:
"Hearty congratulations to all revered saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have come to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on this sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri in Maha Kumbh 2025... Har Har Mahadev!"
For many, the Maha Kumbh was a deeply spiritual experience. Rajvir Singh Jhala (20), a BBA student from Rajkot, who took the holy dip at Sangam nose with his family, reflected:
"Lord Shiva, for me, represents 'Shunyata'—the realization that we are nothing before him. True cleansing happens within, not just in the holy waters."
Similarly, Pinki Devi from Kolkata, who bathed at 3:30am, expressed her joy at participating in the Maha Shivratri snan.
Maha Shivratri, marking the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, holds special significance in the Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva played a crucial role in Samudra Manthan, which led to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh (nectar pitcher)—the very essence of the Kumbh Mela.
The convergence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati is considered highly auspicious, attracting devotees who believe a holy dip cleanse sins and grants moksha (liberation).
With unprecedented footfall, authorities enforced a ‘no vehicle zone’ across the Mela area and Prayagraj, ensuring smooth crowd movement.
DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna, overseeing security arrangements, stated:
"We have deployed extensive police personnel, focusing on two major areas—crowd control at the Sangam ghats and the five main shivalayas where devotees will offer sacred waters to Lord Shiva."
Strict security measures ensured no VIP treatment was given on Wednesday, allowing an equal opportunity for all devotees to take the holy dip. Officials anticipated the Wednesday footfall to exceed Tuesday’s 1.33 cr pilgrims.
As Maha Kumbh 2025 draws to a close, it has once again proven to be the world’s largest spiritual congregation, bringing together millions in an unparalleled celebration of faith, devotion, and tradition.