Will Maha Kumh in Prayagraj Extended: Authorities deny it as rumours: DM says we will stick to official guidelines ie Feb 26
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj Draws Record-Breaking Crowd of Over 50 Crore Pilgrims
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj has witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with over 50 crore devotees taking a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam.
Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Festival Extension
As attendance numbers continue to soar, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to extend the festival’s duration, citing logistical challenges and the overwhelming influx of pilgrims.
“Even now, many devotees are struggling to reach the Maha Kumbh. In such circumstances, the government should consider extending the festival period,” Yadav stated. He also accused the administration of underreporting casualties following a stampede at the event.
Unprecedented Crowds Break Global Records
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has shattered all previous attendance records. By mid-February, over 50 crore pilgrims had participated, surpassing the combined populations of the United States and Russia, making it the largest human gathering in history.
On February 14 alone, official reports indicate that over 92 lakh people performed the holy dip in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam.
Severe Logistical Challenges and Overburdened Transport
The extraordinary turnout has led to severe strain on infrastructure and transportation.
Social media is flooded with visuals of overcrowded trains, congested roads, and long queues of devotees struggling to reach the event.
Earlier this week, the Prayagraj Sangam railway station had to be temporarily shut down due to an overwhelming surge in passengers. Authorities are working round the clock to manage the situation, but as the festival nears its final days, the challenges persist.
Officials Dismiss Extension Rumors
Despite the growing speculation, Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandhad has categorically denied any plans to extend the Maha Kumbh Mela beyond its scheduled end date of February 26, which coincides with Maha Shivaratri.
“This is mere speculation. The Maha Kumbh Mela will conclude on February 26 as planned. I urge people not to believe in rumors unless an official statement is issued by the administration or government,” Mandhad told ANI.
He further attributed the spread of misinformation to anti-social elements. “Certain individuals on social media are deliberately spreading false information, leading to confusion. I urge the public to ignore such rumors,” he added.
As the festival reaches its final days, authorities continue to work on crowd management, ensuring the safe passage of millions of devotees attending the sacred event.
