Massive Devotee Turnout at Triveni Sangam as Maha Kumbh 2025 Nears Conclusion
As the first light of dawn touched the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, lakhs of pilgrims gathered at the Triveni Sangam to take their final holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a grand spectacle of faith and spirituality, is drawing to a close after 45 days of fervent devotion, with this concluding ‘snan’ (holy bath) symbolizing purification and spiritual rejuvenation.
Throughout the night, a continuous stream of devotees from all corners of the country made their way to the banks of the Sangam, eager to immerse themselves in the sacred waters at the most auspicious hour, the ‘Brahma Muhurat.’ The resonating chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ filled the air as pilgrims, young and old, braved the chilly waters in a ritual believed to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings.
The Maha Kumbh, held once every 144 years, commenced on January 13 with the Paush Purnima snan and has since witnessed several major bathing days, including Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami. This year’s gathering has set a new record, with the Uttar Pradesh government reporting an unprecedented 64 crore footfall over the course of the festival.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has not only drawn devotees from across India but also from abroad, with groups from Nepal and other neighboring countries making the pilgrimage to Prayagraj. Among them was Rajvir Singh Jhala, a 20-year-old student from Rajkot, who, along with his family, travelled overnight to be part of the final holy dip. “Lord Shiva represents the infinite void and the ultimate truth. Taking this dip is not just about washing away sins, but about embracing humility and inner goodness”.
From Kolkata to Karnataka, pilgrims from every state came together for this sacred event. Pinki Devi, a devotee from West Bengal, who took her dip at around 3:30 am, described the experience as “a moment of divine connection” and expressed gratitude for being able to perform the ritual on Mahashivratri.
Given the enormous gathering, authorities ensured extensive security and logistical arrangements to prevent overcrowding. Over 20,000 police personnel were deployed across the mela grounds, particularly at key bathing points. Drone surveillance and CCTV monitoring played a crucial role in maintaining law and order.
DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna highlighted the elaborate security measures in place, stating, “Our focus has been on ensuring an orderly bathing experience at the Sangam while also managing crowd movements at the five main shivalayas in the mela area, where devotees are offering sacred waters to Lord Shiva.” He further emphasized that the entire Kumbh zone was declared a “no-vehicle zone” from Tuesday evening, and that no special privileges were extended to VIP visitors to maintain order.
Mahashivratri, a festival that commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, holds a profound significance within the context of the Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva played a pivotal role in the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean, which led to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh (nectar pitcher), the central theme of the Kumbh Mela itself.
The sacred festival also marks a day of deep meditation and spiritual awakening for devotees, who observe fasts, offer prayers, and chant hymns in reverence to the deity. Many pilgrims, after taking the holy dip, proceeded to offer sacred water and perform pujas at temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the mela area and across Prayagraj.
Tuesday alone witnessed 1.33 crore pilgrims taking a dip in the holy waters, bringing the total Maha Kumbh footfall to an astonishing 64 crore, surpassing the populations of most countries worldwide. The sheer scale of the festival underscores its global prominence as the largest congregation of faith.
Over the past six weeks, the event has successfully facilitated six key bathing dates—Paush Purnima (January 13), Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and now Mahashivratri (February 26). Each of these auspicious days attracted millions of devotees, making this Kumbh Mela one of the most historic editions to date.
As the festival draws to a close, the spiritual energy and collective devotion of the millions who participated leave an indelible mark on the city of Prayagraj. The echoes of Vedic chants, devotional music, and the divine fervor of the Kumbh Mela will resonate long after the tents are dismantled and the last pilgrim departs.
For many, this Maha Kumbh was more than just a religious gathering; it was an experience of unity, reflection, and renewal of faith. As the final snan concludes, the Kumbh’s legacy continues, inspiring generations to embark on this sacred pilgrimage in years to come.
