Bhubaneswar, February 26: The 45-day-long Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj ended in a grand spiritual display on Wednesday, with over 1.32 crore devotees partaking in the final ‘Amrit Snan’ (holy dip) on Maha Shivratri.
The event, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, saw millions gather at the Triveni Sangam to bathe in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers. The ritual marked the culmination of the festival, with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” filling the air.
More than 65 crore people visited Prayagraj throughout the event, making it a major global spectacle covered extensively by international media. Publications like The Wall Street Journal noted that the Kumbh Mela had more participants than the entire population of the U.S., while CNN highlighted the spiritual rituals and presence of Naga Sadhus.
The massive crowd was managed through enhanced security measures, including AI-enabled cameras, surveillance drones, and coordination among police and disaster response teams. Special trains were arranged, and a “no vehicle zone” was enforced to manage the flow of pilgrims.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ensured smooth operations from a control room in Gorakhpur. One of the most memorable moments was the grand floral shower of 20 quintals of rose petals over the pilgrims at the Sangam, adding a magical touch to the closing ceremony.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event but a celebration of faith and unity, drawing pilgrims from around the world. Its significance goes beyond rituals, serving as a reminder of the shared spiritual journey of humanity. The festival’s closure on Maha Shivratri marked the end of a transformative experience for millions.
