(Image source from: x.com/MahaKumbh_2025)
On Wednesday, a large number of people gathered in northern India for the final day of the six-week Maha Kumbh Mela, which attracted a staggering total of 663 million participants seeking forgiveness for their sins through immersion in waters revered by Hindus. Footage from the event revealed security personnel managing the flow of thousands of attendees around barriers in the temporary settlement established in Prayagraj, located near the confluence of three sacred rivers. "The influx is overwhelming since it’s the last chance for devotees to partake in a ‘holy dip,’” shared a devotee named Rahul. “Fortunately, we were able to take a holy dip today.” In response to grievances about dense crowds causing severe traffic congestion, authorities implemented additional security measures and traffic restrictions for the concluding day.
महाकुम्भ में महाशिवरात्रि के दिन आज करोड़ों श्रद्धालु त्रिवेणी के पावन जल में स्नान करके अपने जीवन में शुद्धता और सुख की कामना कर रहे हैं। महाकुम्भ विश्व के सामने भारत की संस्कृति का भव्य दृश्य प्रस्तुत कर रहा है।#MahaKumbh2025 #महाशिवरात्रि_महाकुम्भ pic.twitter.com/rmrjdyw7gh
— Mahakumbh (@MahaKumbh_2025) February 26, 2025
The Maha Kumbh, or Great Pitcher Festival, which occurs every 12 years, is promoted by India as a major religious event that achieves world records for the largest gatherings. On Wednesday alone, around 15.3 million individuals participated in the ritual bathing, according to officials from Uttar Pradesh, where the festival is held, bringing the overall total to over 663 million—almost double the population of the United States. The previous edition in 2019 attracted 240 million visitors, but this year's celebration, labeled "maha" or great, is deemed particularly significant due to an exceptional alignment of celestial bodies that occurs once every 144 years. A wide array of participants included everyone from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet members to prominent business figures and celebrities from film and television, alongside international personalities such as Chris Martin from the British band Coldplay. However, a tragic stampede occurred last month on the festival’s most auspicious day, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries, casting a shadow over the authorities’ intentions for a seamless event. Devoted Hindus hold the belief that the waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary, ethereal Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj possess the ability to cleanse them of their sins.
आस्था का यह जन सिंधु भारत की आध्यात्मिक और सांस्कृतिक विरासत की जीवंत अभिव्यक्ति है।
— Yogi Adityanath Office (@myogioffice) February 26, 2025
हर हर महादेव!#महाशिवरात्रि_महाकुम्भ pic.twitter.com/KIDCAhrpiR
