The world’s largest spiritual gathering is drawing to a close as the final day of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 begins with a surge of devotees at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. On Maha Shivratri, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims rushed to take the sacred ‘snan’ in the early hours, marking the last special bath of the six-week festival.
Final ‘Snan’ and Religious Significance
Devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers for a final ritual bath, an act considered essential during Maha Shivratri—a festival commemorating the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva played a pivotal role in the churning of the ocean, which led to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh, the pitcher of nectar that gives the festival its name.
Extensive Security and Management Arrangements
To ensure the safety of millions during this climactic event, authorities declared the entire Kumbh area a ‘no vehicle zone’. The Uttar Pradesh government, under strict security measures, deployed 37,000 police personnel and 14,000 home guards across the site. Advanced surveillance technologies, including 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras, alongside multiple Jal Police stations, control rooms, and watch towers, are in place to monitor the vast gathering.
DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that preparations are geared to handle a surge of devotees, which is expected to surpass Tuesday’s count of 1.33 crore visitors. Special arrangements by Indian Railways include operating over 350 additional trains from Prayagraj to accommodate the massive influx of passengers, with several railway zones on high alert following recent stampede incidents.
Celebrations Amidst Unity and Tradition
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended heartfelt greetings to the people on the eve of Maha Shivratri, emphasising that the festival strengthens national unity and cultural traditions. He highlighted that the Jyotirling as across India symbolise the country’s integration and urged the community to remain committed to societal welfare, inspired by the spirit of Lord Mahadev.
Looking Forward
As the Maha Kumbh Mela comes to an end with the final ‘Amrit snan’, organizers and authorities are already focusing on post-event safety and logistics. With extensive fire-fighting measures on standby and robust security in place, officials are determined to ensure that this grand spiritual event concludes safely, leaving behind a legacy of faith and unity.
