Prayagraj: The highly anticipated Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 came to a close on February 26, coinciding with the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri. A sea of devotees gathered early in the morning at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, to partake in the final ‘snan’ (holy dip), marking the end of the world’s largest religious gathering.
The six-week festival, which began on January 13, saw an overwhelming influx of pilgrims, saints, and tourists who engaged in various religious rituals. On the final day, the crowd reached extraordinary proportions, prompting authorities to step up security measures throughout the region.
Key Highlights of the Final Day of Maha Kumbh 2025
Devotees Flock in Large Numbers:
From the early hours of the morning, lakhs of devotees arrived at Triveni Sangam for the concluding ‘Amrit snan’ of the Maha Kumbh, making the day one of the busiest of the entire festival.
Traffic Control:
To manage the massive turnout, the entire Kumbh Mela area was declared a ‘no vehicle zone’ to ensure smooth movement of pedestrians and maintain safety.
Enhanced Security Measures:
DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that a robust security plan was in place with strict measures for crowd control. Over 37,000 police officers and 14,000 home guards were deployed to oversee the safety of the pilgrims and prevent any untoward incidents.
Pilgrim Advisory:
The Uttar Pradesh government issued guidelines for devotees, advising them to use specific ghats based on their entry routes. For instance, those arriving from Uttar Jhunsi were guided to Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat, while others were directed to alternate ghats to prevent overcrowding.
AI Surveillance to Enhance Safety:
A total of 2,750 AI-powered CCTV cameras, 50 watch towers, and several Jal Police stations were set up to monitor the event. A 24×7 social media monitoring team was also deployed to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Special Railway Services:
To manage the influx of pilgrims, Indian Railways ran more than 350 additional trains from Prayagraj. Earlier, over 360 special trains were operated during Mauni Amavasya, accommodating over 20 lakh passengers.
Measures to Prevent Stampedes:
Following previous incidents at large religious gatherings, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Northern Railways were put on high alert. Additional security measures were implemented at major railway stations to ensure the safe transit of passengers.
Fire Safety Initiatives:
In response to previous fire-related incidents during the Mela, authorities established 50 fire stations and 20 fire posts throughout the region. Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma assured that emergency response teams were ready for any situation.
Government Supervision:
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally monitored railway operations, while Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, managed logistical coordination on the ground.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s Message:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered his best wishes to the devotees, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Maha Shivratri. He also highlighted the importance of religious festivals like the Kumbh Mela in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.
The successful conclusion of Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj marked one of the largest spiritual gatherings in history. The event was managed with meticulous planning, providing a safe and sacred environment for millions of participants, while also reinforcing their deep-rooted faith.
