Prayagraj: Devotees from across the country gathered in large numbers at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivratri, as the 45-day Maha Kumbh approached its conclusion. According to reports, over 1 crore devotees are expected on the final day.

Drone visuals captured a vast sea of devotees congregating at the Triveni Sangam for the sacred bath on the last day of the Maha Kumbh.

Amrit snans and sacred bathing rituals

Maha Kumbh, a grand spectacle occurring once every 12 years, began on 13 January (Paush Purnima) and featured grand processions of Naga Sadhus alongside three 'Amrit Snans'.

The first Amrit Snan of Paush Purnima commenced on 13 January, followed by Snan on Makar Sankranti on 14 January, Mauni Amavasya on 29 January, Basant Panchami on 3 February, Maghi Purnima on 12 February, and the concluding Snan on 26 February, Mahashivratri.

The mega religious congregation has so far attracted a record-breaking 65 crore pilgrims. The total number of visitors to the fair has surpassed the population of every country in the world, except India and China, both of which exceed a billion in population.

Chief Minister’s supervision

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been monitoring the Snan since 4 am, alongside senior government officials, from his residence in Lucknow.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister stated, "Hearty congratulations to all the revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who have come to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam today on the holy bathing festival of Mahashivratri dedicated to the worship of Lord Bholenath in Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj.....Har Har Mahadev!."

Akhara participation and religious significance

Several Akharas participated in the Maha Kumbh, including Niranjani Akhara, Ahwan Akhara, and Juna Akhara, the largest Akhara in the Sanyasi tradition. Akharas play a crucial role in the Shahi Snan and are religious orders of monks belonging to various sects, including Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Udasi. Each Akhara is led by a head, known as the 'Mahamandaleshwar'.

Security and crowd management

In anticipation of the massive influx of devotees, the Prayagraj District administration deployed additional forces and enhanced coordination with railway and airport authorities to ensure smooth crowd management.

Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar highlighted the administration’s commitment to efficient traffic and parking management, ensuring a hassle-free experience for devotees.

Significance of Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri, known as the 'Great Night of Shiva', is considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth and symbolises victory over darkness and ignorance. It also marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction, with Goddess Parvati, the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, also known as Shakti (power).

According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati's house by a diverse procession of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti union is regarded as the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival commemorating their sacred bond, Maha Shivratri, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India.

(Agency inputs)