February 23, 2025: A massive 25-km-long traffic jam paralyzed roads leading to Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj early Sunday as lakhs of devotees flocked to the holy city for a sacred dip in the Ganga on the last weekend of Maha Kumbh. With the religious gathering set to conclude on February 26, devotees rushed to take part in the holy ritual before the festival's end.

The jam left pilgrims stranded for several hours before authorities managed to clear the congestion. However, by the time of reporting, traffic movement had resumed smoothly.

Similar scenes of heavy footfall were witnessed at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in Uttar Pradesh’s Mugalsarai, a crucial transit point for pilgrims traveling from Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and northeastern states.

According to official figures, around 60 crore devotees have taken part in this year’s Maha Kumbh, making it the largest religious and cultural gathering in history. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati has drawn devotees in record numbers, with nearly one crore people arriving daily in the final phase of the festival.

Over half of India’s 110 crore Sanatan followers have already participated in the event, and officials predict the number will exceed 65 crore by the final ‘Amrit Snan’ on February 26, coinciding with Mahashivratri.

In anticipation of the last significant bathing day, the Uttar Pradesh government has intensified preparations to ensure a smooth experience for devotees. Authorities are working round the clock to manage the unprecedented turnout and maintain order at the pilgrimage site.

This Maha Kumbh has also attracted global attention, with diplomats from 73 countries—including Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck—taking part in the sacred dip at Sangam.

The largest crowd was recorded on Mauni Amavasya, with nearly 8 crore devotees taking the holy dip, while Makar Sankranti saw 3.5 crore pilgrims participate in the Amrit Snan.

With just days remaining for the conclusion of Maha Kumbh, authorities remain on high alert, ensuring the world's largest religious gathering ends smoothly and safely.