Story by Raksha Bhattacharyajee
Pilgrims flocked to Triveni Sangam for the last sacred dip. The final day of the big Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 began on Wednesday, February 26.
Devotees flocked to the Triveni Sangam early in the morning for a holy plunge, the final special “snan,” in honor of Maha Shivratri.This will mark the end of the six-week-long Mela, the biggest spiritual assembly in the world, which is taking place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
On February 26, Maha Shivratri signaled the end of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
In its current form, Maha Shivratri is a significant Hindu holiday that honors the glorious marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Nonetheless, in the framework of Maha Kumbh, it has a special significance. The central theme of the Kumbh Mela, Amrit Kumbh (the pitcher of nectar), emerged as a result of Lord Shiva’s pivotal role in the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), according to Hindu mythology. Six special “snan,” including three “Amrit Snan” days, were observed during the January 13 start of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
On January 13, Paush Purnima; on January 14, Makar Sankranti; on January 29, Mauni Amavasya; on February 3, Basant Panchami; on February 12, Maghi Purnima; and on February 26, Maha Shivratri.
Maha Shivatri 2025: Maha Kumbh Mela | 10 points
- Devotees were observed hurrying to the Triveni Sangam, which is the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, in the early hours of Wednesday in preparation for the Maha Kumbh Mela’s final “snan” on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
- The whole Kumbh Mela region has been designated as a “no vehicle zone” in preparation for increased devotee traffic for the final holy bath. Furthermore, DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna said news agency PTI that on Wednesday, “no VIP treatment” will be given to anyone.
- Devotees were also given a comprehensive warning by the Uttar Pradesh administration, which suggested that they plunge in the nearest ghat. The advice states that travelers from Dakshini Jhunsi should utilize Arail Ghat and those arriving via the Uttar Jhunsi route should proceed to Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat. It is advised that devotees traveling from the Pande region to the Mela take a “snan” at Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, Mori Ghat, Kali Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Hanuman Ghat.
- In the Mela for Maha Shivratri, DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna stated that the administration was “prepared to handle a two-pronged situation” and that extensive security and management measures had been established. He stated that more devotees than Tuesday (1.33 crore) were anticipated for the Mela.
- For security reasons, officials said up to 14,000 house guards and 37,000 police officers have been sent to Maha Kumbh. To help manage the safety and security of devotees, there are currently 50 watch towers, three Jal Police stations, eighteen Jal Police control rooms, and 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras in place. “We are also monitoring social media 24×7 to check any spread of misinformation regarding the Maha Kumbh,” according to DIG Vaibhav Krishna.
- During Maha Shivratri, the Indian Railways also made special arrangements, planning to run more than 350 additional trains from Prayagraj to make it easier for devotees to return after the final ‘Amrit snan’ of the Kumbh Mela. During Mauni Amavasya, more than 360 special trains were deployed to safely transport over 20 lakh passengers to their destinations.Due to the recent stampede occurrences, Northern Railways, North Central Railway, and North Eastern Railway have been instructed to maintain a high level of alertness. According to NER CPRO Pankaj Kumar Singh,
- 60 trains—including long-distance, normal ring rail, and special Mela trains—were in operation until 4 p.m. on Tuesday. On Maha Shivratri, there were also twenty-five more special trains operating. Key stations have also seen increased security. For example, Prayagraj Rambagh has 500 RPF personnel and 250 commercial staff on duty, while Jhunsi station has 850 RPF men and 290 commercial staff.
- Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally observed the situation, while Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar is in charge of the operations on the ground. Three different train zones’ general managers are working together to control the passenger rush.
- Although there haven’t been any fatalities yet, there have been a number of fire mishaps at the Maha Kumbh Mela, thus proper firefighting measures have also been put in place. According to the PTI, Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma stated that “up to 50 fire stations and 20 fire posts are on standby to meet any contingency requirements.”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted the state’s citizens and visitors from around the globe on Tuesday for the ‘Amrit snan’ at the Maha Kumbh. Maha Shivratri, he claimed, encourages individuals to continue to be dedicated to the well-being of society.
“The people all hold Lord Mahadev, the God of Gods, in high regard. Our customs and sense of national cohesion are reinforced by festivals and festivities. “Across India, the Jyotirlingas serve as emblems of national unity,” Adityanath continued.
