The Mahakumbh, a grand spiritual gathering that takes place once every 12 years, culminated on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, February 26, 2025. This 45-day event, which began on January 13 (Paush Purnima), saw millions of devotees from across India and beyond converge at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
Mahashivratri, a significant day in Hinduism, commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It holds special importance in the context of the Kumbh Mela, as it is believed that bathing in the holy waters on this day cleanses one of past sins and paves the way for spiritual liberation.
The Mahakumbh 2025 witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with over 64 crore pilgrims participating in the event. The final day saw a massive influx of devotees, with over 41.11 lakh people taking a holy dip at the Sangam by 6 am. The event featured grand processions of Naga Sadhus and three ‘Amrit Snans’ (holy baths), adding to the religious fervor.
Despite the grandeur, the Mahakumbh 2025 was also marked by unfortunate incidents, including a deadly stampede on January 29 that claimed 30 lives and injured over 60 people. Several fire incidents and road accidents also occurred as pilgrims traveled to and from the Kumbh.
As the Mahakumbh concluded on Mahashivratri, devotees bid farewell to this historic event, carrying with them blessings, memories, and the hope of returning to the next great gathering.
