February 12, 2025:
Millions of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Wednesday to take a holy dip on the occasion of Maghi Purnima during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. By 6 AM, over 73 lakh people, including nearly 10 lakh Kalpvasis, had performed the ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The bathing ritual, which began in the early hours of the day, was monitored closely by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from the war room at his official residence in Lucknow.
With the Maghi Purnima snan, the month-long Kalpavas is coming to an end, and Kalpvasis, who had been residing on the riverbanks as part of their spiritual retreat, have started leaving the Maha Kumbh. The administration has urged them to adhere to traffic regulations and utilize designated parking areas to maintain order and prevent congestion.
The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe experience for the pilgrims. Security forces have been deployed across key locations, with additional personnel stationed at high-pressure points to regulate the massive crowd. Kumbh SSP Rajesh Dwivedi assured that the movement of devotees was being carefully managed and that previous arrangements made for Basant Panchami had been further strengthened for Maghi Purnima. A special traffic plan has also been put in place, with real-time data being collected from toll plazas and neighboring districts to monitor and regulate the influx of vehicles.
In light of the massive gathering, the fair area has been designated a no-vehicle zone from Tuesday at 4 AM, and the entire city will follow similar restrictions from 5 PM onwards, with exemptions granted only for emergency and essential services. To further ease travel for devotees, the state transport department has deployed 1,200 additional shuttle buses, operating every 10 minutes.
The devotees expressed their joy at being part of the grand event, with many praising the arrangements made by the UP government. Srinivas, a pilgrim from Andhra Pradesh, said that the experience was deeply fulfilling and thanked the authorities for their efforts. Another devotee, Gayatri, shared her emotions, saying that the Maha Kumbh had reinforced her religious and national identity, as the atmosphere of devotion and unity had left a profound impact on her.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to the pilgrims and religious leaders, wishing them prosperity and happiness. In his message, he expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Shri Hari and the sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—would fulfill everyone's wishes.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela approaches its grand conclusion on February 26, when the final Amrit Snan will take place on Mahashivratri, authorities remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents. The tragic stampede that occurred during the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan on January 29, which claimed 30 lives and left 60 injured, has placed additional pressure on security forces to ensure that the remaining days of the Kumbh Mela proceed smoothly. Despite the challenges, the spirit of devotion remains strong, with millions continuing to take part in one of the world's largest religious gatherings.