Millions Gather for Last 'Amrit Snan' as Maha Kumbh Mela Set to Conclude on Maha Shivratri

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is drawing to a close on Wednesday, February 26, with the final and most significant event of the six-week-long festival—the holy dip on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Devotees flocked to the Triveni Sangam in the early hours to participate in the last ritual of this spiritual gathering. 

The religious gathering began on January 13 and has witnessed six major bathing days, including three special ‘Amrit Snan’ days. These included Paush Purnima on January 13, Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and now, the final 'Amrit Snan' on Maha Shivratri.

Anticipating a massive turnout on the final day, the authorities declared the entire Mela area a "no vehicle zone." Additionally, police officials, including DIG (Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna, assured that no VIP privileges would be granted on this day to ensure fairness and security.

To manage the influx of millions of pilgrims, elaborate security measures were put in place. DIG Vaibhav Krishna highlighted that over 37,000 police officers, along with 14,000 home guards, had been deployed to ensure safety. Furthermore, advanced surveillance, including 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras, 18 control rooms, and watch towers, were set up throughout the area. The authorities also monitored social media to prevent the spread of any false information.

The Uttar Pradesh government issued detailed advisories for the devotees, recommending specific ghats for taking the dip, depending on their entry routes into the Mela. For those coming from Jhunsi, they were directed to Harishchandra Ghat and Old GT Ghat, while other ghats like Bharadwaj Ghat, Nagavasuki Ghat, and Ram Ghat were suggested for those entering from different areas.

Indian Railways made special arrangements for the final phase of the Mela, with more than 350 additional trains scheduled to depart from Prayagraj to help devotees return home after the 'Amrit Snan'. Similar measures were in place during the Mauni Amavasya phase when over 360 trains were deployed to accommodate around 20 lakh passengers. Given the previous stampede incidents, additional safety protocols were enforced at railway stations, and security personnel were stationed across the stations to ensure smooth operations.

To address any potential emergencies, the fire department has prepared by placing 50 fire stations and 20 fire posts on standby. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to devotees worldwide for the 'Amrit Snan', stating that Maha Shivratri is a time to strengthen one’s commitment to society's welfare. He also noted that Lord Shiva’s influence is widely revered and that festivals like these promote unity and solidarity across the nation.