Maha Kumbh 2025 Concludes: Maha Shivratri Snan at Sangam, Heavy Rush in Prayagraj | Key Highlights

Maha Kumbh 2025 Concludes: The grand Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 came to an end with its grand final day. On Wednesday, February 26, devotees rushed in from the wee hours to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the last special 'snan,' on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

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Thus, ends the Mela-a six-week celebration that is going to be the biggest spiritual gathering in the world-in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

Maha Shivratri happens to be an important event for the Hindus because it is celebrated for the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. But in the context of Maha Kumbh, it has some very special significance. The mythology tells that Lord Shiva played a stellar role during the Samudra Manthan; it resulted in the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh, which is the very basis of the Kumbh Mela.

The Maha Kumbh Mela started on January 13 and has witnessed six special 'snan' days, with three as 'Amrit Snan.' The first was Paush Purnima on January 13, Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and finally Maha Shivratri on February 26.

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Maha Kumbh Mela: Maha Shivatri 2025 | 10 points

1. In the early hours of Wednesday, devotees thronged to the Triveni Sangam, where Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati converge, to have the last 'snan' during the Maha Kumbh Mela on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
2. This time, the entire Kumbh Mela area has been converted into a 'no vehicle zone', in preparation for the anticipated higher influx of devotees converging on the last sacred bath. Moreover, the DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna mentioned to the news agency PTI, "There will be no VIP treatment extended to any one person on Wednesday."
3. Over and above this, the Uttar Pradesh government came out with an extensive advisory for devotees, which asked them to have a dip at the ghats closest to them. The advisory suggested that those approaching through the Uttar Jhunsi route go to Palam Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat; while those from Dakshini Jhunsi should head for Arail Ghat. While those entering Mela from Pande have been suggested take a 'snan' at Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, Mori Ghat, Kali Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Hanuman Ghat.
4. DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna says that very few numbers of Mela have been made in the security and management arrangements for Maha Shivratri, adding that "the administration is prepared to handle a two-pronged situation". This is because the Mela expects that the pilgrims will be more than Tuesday (the highest, so far at 1.33 crore).
5. As many as 37,000 police personnel and 14,000 home guards have been put on duty at Maha Kumbh as part of the security arrangements, officials said. Meanwhile, 2,750 AI CCTV cameras, three Jal Police stations, 18 Jal Police control rooms, and 50 watch towers are stationed in and around the Mela for management purposes. "We are also monitoring social media 24x7 to check any spread of misinformation regarding the Maha Kumbh," said DIG Vaibhav Krishna.
6. To ease the return of devotees after the final 'Amrit snan' of Kumbh Mela, Indian Railways has made special arrangements by planning to run more than 350 additional trains from Prayagraj. Previously, during the Mauni Amavasya, more than 360 special trains were deployed to ferry over 20 lakh passengers into their destinations safely. A similar plan has been put together for Maha Shivratri.
7. Murnagore has also been ordered to keep the combed stinging on high alert by the North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Northern Railway for the Indo Himalayan Hills. Earlier, NER CPRO Pankaj Kumar Singh said that from the regular ring, long distance and special Mela trains more than 60 trains are run till 4 pm on Tuesday. Also, 25 more running special trains were added on Maha Shivratri. At important stations, security has also been tightened and manned by 850 RPF personnel and 290 commercial staff at Jhunsi station, Prayagraj Rambagh has 500 RPF personnel, and 250 commercial staff on duty.
8. The Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally monitored the situation, with Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board Satish Kumar, who is overseeing the on-ground operations. General managers from three separate railway zones are in coordination to manage the surge in passengers.
9. Even though so far there has not been a single casualty from the fire, many a fire incident has occurred in the Maha Kumbh Mela. Thus, the state has also made enough firefighting arrangements. As cited by PTI, Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma as cited by PTI, said, “As many as 50 fire stations and 20 fire posts are on standby to meet any contingency requirements.”
10. He said that Maha Shivratri inspires people to remain committed to the welfare of society. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had on Tuesday itself sent across good wishes to people in the state and to other parts of the globe for the 'Amrit snan' at the Maha Kumbh. "Lord Mahadev, the God of Gods, is universally revered among the masses. Festivals and celebrations strengthen our traditions and national unity. The Jyotirlingas across India stand as symbols of national integration," Adityanath added.

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