Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – February 27: The vibrant landscape of Mahakumbh Nagar has transformed overnight, as the grand spectacle of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 draws to a close. The once-bustling pilgrimage site, which hosted over 66 crore devotees at the Triveni Sangam, is now witnessing a quiet departure, with workers dismantling temporary structures and pilgrims bidding farewell to their spiritual home.
A Temporary Abode, Now Uprooted
For millions, the Maha Kumbh was not just a religious gathering but a second home for the past 45 days. The Swiss cottages, makeshift ashrams, and sprawling tent cities, which accommodated pilgrims and saints alike, are now being taken down."Sab ujad raha hai" (Everything is getting uprooted), lamented many, as they watched their temporary sanctuaries disappear. Saloni Niranjan, a Prayagraj resident who observed 'Kalpawas' in Sector 6, grew emotional watching laborers dismantle her cottage. “One gets attached to the place. Just yesterday, there was a sea of people, and now, it’s eerily quiet,” she said.
Her husband, Niranjan Lal, a lawyer, and their family panda (priest) Shambhunath Sharma, echoed her sentiments. Sharma noted how the land that housed crores of pilgrims would soon return to its usual agricultural cycle, as farmers reclaim the area for cultivation.
Iconic Temple Replica Being Dismantled
Among the structures being dismantled is a replica of the Tirupati temple, one of the major attractions at the Mela. Crafted with fiber and transported from Hyderabad, the intricate model featured 12 pillars, a 'garbh griha' (sanctum sanctorum), and an ornate golden-hued dome.Craftsman Gautam Das, who worked on assembling the replica, shared that visitors were still stopping by for a final glimpse before it was completely taken down.
Netra Kumbh – A Mega Health Initiative
While camps wind down, the ‘Netra Kumbh’ eye camp, which started a week before the Mela, continues attending to its final patients.Dr. Praveen Reddy, the camp’s chief medical officer, confirmed that the initiative catered to over 2 lakh people since January 6, offering free clinical eye tests and treatment with the support of 40 doctors and multiple registration counters.
Yogi Adityanath’s Visit and Reflections
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Prayagraj earlier today, visiting the Sangam and the Netra Kumbh after offering prayers at the Lete Hue Hanuman Temple. Addressing the media, he highlighted the spiritual and economic significance of the Maha Kumbh, emphasizing Uttar Pradesh's potential as a hub for spiritual tourism."Over 66 crore people participated in the sacred dips at the Sangam, making this a historic congregation," he stated.
Vendors and Workers Pack Up
As the Mela concludes, shopkeepers and food stall owners who benefited from the massive influx of pilgrims are now shutting shop. "It was a once-in-12-years experience, and the hype of ‘once in 144 years’ added to the rush," one vendor remarked while packing up his stall.Security personnel, sanitation workers, and three-wheeled cart pullers, many of whom traveled from different states to support the event, are now preparing to return home after weeks of tireless service.
The Curtain Falls – Until 2037
The Maha Kumbh celebrated every 12 years, witnessed a record turnout this year, bringing together sadhus, seers, celebrities, and commoners in what is regarded as the largest spiritual gathering on Earth.But as the dust settles and the last of the structures disappear, the countdown begins once again—for the next grand Maha Kumbh in 2037.
