Prayagraj: Maha Kumbh ends, govt says over 1.53 crore devotees took holy dip on last day

With over one crore pilgrims on Wednesday, the total footfall at Maha Kumbh crossed 66.30 crore, marking the successful conclusion of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, officials said.

On the last bathing day, crowds began gathering at the Sangam from midnight. By early morning, the air resonated with the sacred chants as devotees from various places arrived, creating a spiritual atmosphere.

Maha Shivratri is an important festival for Hindus as it celebrates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. However, it is even more special during Maha Kumbh.

Devotees gather to take a dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj on Wednesday, the final day of the Maha Kumbh. (AP)

To ensure security, the police and Kumbh administration restricted vehicles’ into the Kumbh area and suspended VIPs movement. Pilgrims were also not allowed to stay in one place for too long. The Uttar Pradesh government also issued an advisory for devotees, recommending them to use the nearest ghats.

Over 41 lakh pilgrims arrived in the Kumbh area by 6 am. As the day progressed, the number crossed the one crore mark by noon. By 8 pm, the total count of pilgrims went past over 1.53 crore.

The final holy bath ended peacefully and no untoward incidents were reported, said Additional Mela Officer (Kumbh), Vivek Chaturvedi.

A devotee prays after taking holy dip in the Ganga river on the occasion of Maha Shivratri festival during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj. (PTI Photo)

As Prayagraj DM Ravindra Kumar Mandar recently said the Maha Kumbh would not be extended beyond February 26, its scheduled conclusion, preparations for dismantling tents and other structures are expected to begin soon. The Kumbh schedule is set in advance based on auspicious timings, leaving no scope for an extension, he had said.

Vivek Chaturvedi said the process of winding up the Maha Kumbh Mela has begun, with instructions issued for the removal of tents and other structures.

This time, expecting an even larger crowd for the final holy bath, the government deployed senior IPS officers to oversee security and ensure the smooth execution of plans. A large police force was deployed in Prayagraj to manage the Maha Kumbh.

A traffic jam in Prayagraj on the eve of Maha Shivratri, which will mark the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh. The snan on Wednesday will be the last of this year’s gathering (PTI)

UP DGP Prashant Kumar said security forces deployed at Maha Kumbh would be withdrawn in a phased manner.

During the 45-day event, the festival attracted pilgrims from Nepal and Pakistan.

Maha Kumbh also saw several accidents involving visitors traveling to or returning from the religious fair. A stampede occurred on January 29, during Mauni Amavasya, in which the government reported 30 deaths.

A drone shot showing Sangam area on the occasion of Maha Shivratri festival during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (PTI Photo)

CM Yogi Adityanath closely monitored Maha Kumbh 2025 and visited 10 times over 45 days.

Maha Kumbh witnessed the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with other dignitaries, also took a dip.