By BK Singh
The grand spectacle of the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh, one of the most revered religious gatherings in the world, came to a ceremonious conclusion on February 26, coinciding with the festival of Maha Shivratri. Millions of devotees had already gathered at the riverbanks as the first rays of the sun barely touched the sacred waters of the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The ghats, alive with religious zeal, echoed with the sounds of conch shells, temple bells, Vedic chants, and devotional bhajans, creating an atmosphere of spirituality.
A vast sea of humanity surged towards the holy waters for the final dip, marking the last of the six ‘Maha Snans’ (auspicious baths). This ritual signified the grand culmination of the Maha Kumbh, an event that stands as the largest religious congregation on Earth.
Held once every twelve years, the Maha Kumbh 2025 witnessed an unprecedented gathering of over 66 crore Sanatani devotees, all drawn to the sacred confluence in pursuit of divine blessings, salvation, and spiritual rejuvenation. The belief that taking a dip in the Sangam during this sacred period cleanses one of all sins and paves the way for moksha (liberation) inspired millions to undertake the journey to Prayagraj.
On the concluding day, coinciding with the festival of Maha Shivratri, an estimated two crore devotees participated in the holy dip. This final act of faith brought down the curtain on an event that had witnessed intense spiritual fervor, the ascetic austerity of 13 monastic orders, and even the remarkable feat of setting three Guinness World Records.
A Journey of Faith: Major Snans of Maha Kumbh 2025
The Maha Kumbh festivities began on January 13 with the Paush Purnima Snan and concluded on February 26 with the Maha Shivratri Snan. Devotees had the opportunity to participate in six major scans, which held immense religious significance. These included three Amrit Snans—Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), and Basant Panchami (February 3)—alongside the Paush Purnima Snan (January 13), Maghi Purnima Snan (February 12), and the grand concluding Mahashivratri Snan.
The Paush Purnima Snan marked the beginning of the religious festivities, as thousands of saints and pilgrims took their first ceremonial bath, marking their entry into the Kumbh Mela premises. The Makar Sankranti Snan, the first Amrit Snan, was considered highly auspicious, symbolizing the transition of the sun into Capricorn. The most significant of all the bathing days, the Mauni Amavasya Snan, witnessed the highest footfall as devotees took the dip in complete silence, believing it to be the holiest of all the bathing rituals.
Basant Panchami, another crucial bathing day, was devoted to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and knowledge. Maghi Purnima, which followed, held great spiritual importance as many saints and sages ended their month-long kalpavas (a period of austere living, fasting, and meditation). Finally, the Maha Shivratri Snan on February 26 brought the religious spectacle to a close, as devotees paid homage to Lord Shiva and sought divine blessings.
A Gathering of Eminent Personalities
The Maha Kumbh 2025 was graced by a host of eminent personalities, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several chief ministers, top political figures, celebrated actors, business tycoons, foreign delegates, and offshore devotees. Diplomats from various countries also visited the ghats to witness and participate in this grand spiritual congregation.
The seamless execution of this mega event was made possible through meticulous planning and elaborate security arrangements by the Mela police. Their efforts ensured safety and order, preventing any major disruptions in the smooth functioning of the festival. Maha Kumbh 2025 transcended the boundaries of a mere religious gathering and emerged as a powerful symbol of social unity and the spiritual strength of Sanatan Dharma.
A Sea of Devotees: Record-Breaking Attendance
State government data revealed the massive scale of participation on the concluding day. By 2 AM on Maha Shivratri, over 11.66 lakh devotees had already immersed themselves in the holy waters. The number surged to 25.64 lakh within just two hours and further escalated to 41.11 lakh by 6 AM. By 10 AM, an astounding 81.09 lakh people had taken the sacred dip in the Sangam.
Maha Shivratri, a festival of immense spiritual significance, celebrates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Within the context of the Maha Kumbh, the occasion takes on an even deeper meaning, as Lord Shiva is closely associated with the legend of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), which led to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh—the celestial pitcher of nectar that is central to the Kumbh Mela’s origins.
Tragic Incidents Amidst the Celebrations
Despite the grandeur and spiritual vibrancy, the festival was marred by tragic incidents. On January 29, during the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan, a stampede claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 others injured. The mishap occurred as devotees rushed towards the ghats, leading to chaos and an unfortunate loss of lives.
Another devastating incident occurred in February at the New Delhi railway station, where a stampede broke out among thousands of devotees eager to catch trains to Prayagraj. This incident resulted in 18 fatalities and several injuries, highlighting the overwhelming number of pilgrims traveling for the festival. Despite these tragedies, millions continued their pilgrimage, demonstrating the unwavering faith and devotion that defines the Maha Kumbh.
A Grand Farewell: Aerial Salute and Logistical Triumph
For the final day of Maha Kumbh, extensive security measures and logistical arrangements were implemented to manage the massive influx of pilgrims. The Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorated the closing ceremony with a grand ‘Mahasalami’ (aerial salute), as Sukhoi fighter jets, AN-32 transport aircraft, and Chetak helicopters performed breathtaking aerial maneuvers over the Sangam, marking a spectacular farewell to the sacred event.
To facilitate the departure of the millions of pilgrims, the Indian Railways introduced over 350 additional trains from Prayagraj to various destinations. Mahakumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna stated that heavy police deployment ensured the smooth management of crowds at Shivalayas and bathing ghats. Additionally, the entire Kumbh Mela area was declared a no-vehicle zone, with traffic regulated through a zonal system to avoid congestion.
The Spirit Lives On
As the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ gradually faded into the twilight, devotees began their journeys back home, carrying with them not only the sacred waters of the Sangam but also the divine experience of Maha Kumbh—a spiritual journey that would remain etched in their hearts forever.
Although the Maha Kumbh officially concluded on February 26, religious fervor in Sangam City is expected to continue until Holi, as many pilgrims extend their stay, seeking spiritual solace and blessings in the holy land of Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh may have ended, but its essence—faith, devotion, and the eternal pursuit of salvation—will continue to inspire millions until the grand event returns twelve years later.