Maha Shivratri Marks the Grand Conclusion of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

 Prayagraj, February 26: The six-week-long Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the world’s largest spiritual congregation, reached its grand finale on Maha Shivratri, with thousands of devotees thronging the Triveni Sangam in the early hours for the final sacred dip, or Amrit Snan.

Maha Shivratri holds profound significance in Hindu tradition, celebrating the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Within the Maha Kumbh context, the occasion is especially revered due to Lord Shiva’s role in the Samudra Manthan, where the legendary Amrit Kumbh (pitcher of nectar) emerged—an event central to the very essence of the Kumbh Mela.

Sacred Rituals and Arrangements

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which began on January 13, featured six significant bathing rituals, each holding immense spiritual importance for devotees. Among these, three were designated as Amrit Snan days, considered the most auspicious for purification and divine blessings. The first sacred bath took place on Paush Purnima (January 13), followed by Makar Sankranti (January 14), marking the transition of the sun into Capricorn. The highly revered Mauni Amavasya (January 29) witnessed the largest congregation of pilgrims, as it is believed that taking a dip on this day leads to spiritual enlightenment. The series of rituals continued with Basant Panchami (February 3), celebrating wisdom and learning, and Maghi Purnima (February 12), which is associated with charity and devotion. Finally, the grand culmination of the Kumbh Mela occurred on Maha Shivratri (February 26), an occasion dedicated to Lord Shiva and symbolic of the triumph of divine consciousness over ignorance.

Given the expected surge in devotees for this final sacred bath, the entire Mela area has been declared a no-vehicle zone. DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that no VIP privileges would be extended to anyone on this day, ensuring an equitable experience for all worshippers.

To facilitate smoother access, the Uttar Pradesh government issued advisory guidelines, directing devotees to use specific ghats based on their entry routes. For example:

• Devotees from Uttar Jhunsi were directed to Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat.
• Those from Dakshini Jhunsi were advised to use Arail Ghat.
• Visitors from the Pande area were guided toward Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, Mori Ghat, Kali Ghat, Ram Ghat, and Hanuman Ghat.

Massive Security and Surveillance Measures

With an anticipated turnout surpassing Tuesday’s 1.33 crore devotees, authorities implemented extensive security measures, including:

• Deployment of 37,000 police personnel and 14,000 home guards.
• Installation of 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras, three Jal Police stations, 18 control rooms, and 50 watch towers for real-time monitoring.
• 24x7 social media surveillance to prevent misinformation.

Indian Railways’ Special Operations

To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, the Indian Railways has launched over 350 additional trains from Prayagraj, ensuring smooth transit for devotees returning after the final Amrit Snan. This follows a similar initiative during Mauni Amavasya, when more than 360 special trains transported over 20 lakh passengers safely.

Given past stampede incidents, railway authorities—including North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Northern Railways—have been placed on high alert. NER CPRO Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed that 60 trains, including long-distance and special Mela trains, were operated until 4 PM on Tuesday, with 25 additional special trains running for Maha Shivratri. Security reinforcements include:

• 850 RPF personnel and 290 commercial staff at Jhunsi station
• 500 RPF personnel and 250 commercial staff at Prayagraj Rambagh

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is personally monitoring the operations, with Railway Board Chairman & CEO Satish Kumar overseeing on-ground coordination.

Fire Safety Precautions

In response to previous fire incidents—though none resulted in casualties—officials have ramped up fire safety measures. Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma reported that 50 fire stations and 20 fire posts are on standby for emergencies.

Chief Minister’s Message on Maha Shivratri

On the eve of Maha Shivratri, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to devotees across India and beyond, emphasizing the festival’s spiritual and cultural significance. He remarked, "Maha Shivratri inspires devotion and reinforces our commitment to the welfare of society. Lord Mahadev, the God of Gods, holds universal reverence, and our festivals strengthen India’s traditions and unity. The Jyotirlingas stand as symbols of national integration."

As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 draws to a close, the final Amrit Snan on Maha Shivratri serves as a culminating moment of spiritual purification, reinforcing the faith and devotion of millions who gathered in Prayagraj for this once-in-a-lifetime event.