Maha Kumbh 2025 Culminates with Mass Holy Dip on Mahashivratri at Triveni Sangam

Prayagraj, February 26: The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025 concluded with a grand spiritual spectacle as millions of devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam on Mahashivratri for the final holy dip. Echoing chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' filled the air as pilgrims from across India gathered for the last auspicious ‘snan’ at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

Record-Breaking Devotion at Maha Kumbh​

Commencing on January 13 (Paush Purnima), the Maha Kumbh witnessed an overwhelming influx of over 65 crore pilgrims, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in history. Government data revealed that by 2 AM on Mahashivratri, 11.66 lakh devotees had bathed at the Sangam, with the number escalating to 25.64 lakh by 4 AM, 41.11 lakh by 6 AM, and 81.09 lakh by 10 AM.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath monitored the final arrangements from Gorakhpur at 4 AM and extended his greetings on social media, saying, "Hearty congratulations to all revered saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees on this holy bathing festival of Mahashivratri in Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj. Har Har Mahadev!"

A Shower of Petals and Devotion​

In a grand gesture, the state government organized an aerial floral tribute, showering 20 quintals of flower petals over the devotees in five rounds. Pilgrims from various states, including West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, participated, along with a group from Nepal, underscoring the event’s global spiritual appeal.

For many, the experience was deeply personal. Rajvir Singh Jhala, a 20-year-old BBA student from Rajkot, reflected on his dip at the Sangam, saying, "Lord Shiva represents 'Shunyata'—a realization that one is nothing before Him. True purification comes from within, not just from bathing in holy waters."

Strict Security and Crowd Management​

With such an enormous footfall, authorities enforced tight security and logistical measures. DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed expansive police deployment and designated the mela area as a “no-vehicle zone” since Tuesday evening. He emphasized that no VIP privileges were allowed and anticipated a higher turnout than the 1.33 crore recorded on Tuesday.

Commemorating Lord Shiva’s Divine Role​

Mahashivratri, marking the celestial union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, holds special significance in Kumbh mythology. As per Hindu traditions, Shiva played a pivotal role in the Samudra Manthan, which led to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh (nectar pitcher)—the essence of the Kumbh Mela itself.

Maha Kumbh’s Milestones and Challenges​

The six key bathing dates of Maha Kumbh included:

• Paush Purnima (Jan 13)
• Makar Sankranti (Jan 14)
• Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29)
• Basant Panchami (Feb 3)
• Maghi Purnima (Feb 12)
• Mahashivratri (Feb 26)

Despite meticulous planning, the event saw a tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya, resulting in 30 deaths and 60 injuries, highlighting the challenges of managing such a massive congregation.

As Maha Kumbh 2025 concludes, its grandeur, spirituality, and sheer scale reaffirm its position as the world's largest religious gathering, drawing millions in their quest for faith and salvation.