Prayagraj – More than 73 lakh devotees participated in the sacred Maghi Purnima Snan (holy dip) at the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday. The ritual commenced in the early hours of the day under elaborate security and logistical arrangements put in place by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath closely monitored the proceedings from the war room at his official residence in Lucknow, beginning at 4 AM. Senior officials, including Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and Director General of Police Prashant Kumar, also remained present to oversee the crowd management strategies.
End of Kalpavas and Departure of Pilgrims
The month-long Kalpavas, a significant spiritual observance, concluded with the Maghi Purnima Snan. Around 10 lakh Kalpvasis, who had been staying at the fairgrounds, have begun their departure. The government has issued guidelines urging them to adhere to traffic laws and park vehicles in designated areas to ensure a smooth exit.
According to an official statement, by 6 AM, approximately 73.60 lakh devotees, including Kalpvasis, had taken the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam and other designated ghats. The statement further highlighted that a substantial number of pilgrims were still en route to the Sangam.
Security and Crowd Management Measures
Speaking about security arrangements, Kumbh SSP Rajesh Dwivedi assured that the movement of devotees was proceeding smoothly. “We have identified pressure points and deployed additional forces to maintain order. Our plans have been significantly improved following the last Snan on Basant Panchami,” he said.
To prevent overcrowding and facilitate seamless movement, the Prayagraj administration declared the fairgrounds a “no vehicle zone” starting from 4 AM on Wednesday. Additionally, the entire city was placed under a no-vehicle policy from 5 PM on Tuesday, except for emergency and essential services. Special traffic officers have been deployed to critical areas, while real-time data from toll plazas and nearby locations is being monitored to regulate incoming traffic.
Devotees Express Gratitude
Pilgrims from across India have expressed their appreciation for the arrangements. Srinivas, a devotee from Andhra Pradesh, remarked, “The preparations by the Uttar Pradesh government have been excellent. I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath.” Another devotee, Gayatri, shared her joy in experiencing the Maha Kumbh, stating, “This is the first time I have truly felt the unity and spiritual strength of India. The atmosphere here fosters religious harmony.”
Upcoming Snan and Safety Concerns
The final Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 is scheduled for February 26 on the occasion of Mahashivratri, marking the grand culmination of the event.
However, authorities remain vigilant in light of the tragic stampede on January 29 during the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan, which resulted in 30 fatalities and left 60 injured. Officials have since reinforced crowd control measures to prevent any recurrence.
With millions continuing to converge at the Sangam, the Maha Kumbh 2025 stands as a testament to India’s deep-rooted faith and devotion, while also posing significant logistical challenges for authorities managing the world’s largest religious gathering.
