February 26, 2025 - Prayagraj witnessed the grand conclusion of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 on February 26, as thousands of devotees gathered at Triveni Sangam to take the final holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. The six-week-long religious gathering, the world's largest spiritual congregation, culminated with the last sacred 'snan' (bath), marking an end to the revered festival.

The concluding day of Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced in the early hours of February 26, with devotees braving the cold to perform their final ‘snan’ at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Aerial visuals captured via drones showcased the massive influx of pilgrims, saints, and tourists, all immersing themselves in the holy waters, seeking divine blessings and spiritual purification.

Maha Shivratri holds immense spiritual importance in Hindu tradition, commemorating the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Within the context of the Kumbh Mela, the day is even more significant due to Lord Shiva’s pivotal role in the mythological event of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), which led to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh (the pitcher of nectar). As per legend, it was during this celestial event that drops of nectar fell at four locations, including Prayagraj, making it one of the holiest sites for the Kumbh Mela.

With millions of devotees converging at Prayagraj for the Maha Shivratri ‘snan’, security was tightened across the region. The local police, in coordination with paramilitary forces, deployed extensive surveillance measures, including drones, CCTV monitoring, and crowd control teams to ensure smooth proceedings. Barricades were set up at key entry points, and additional medical facilities were arranged to handle emergencies.