Maha Kumbh Maghi Purnima Snan Highlights: More than 73 lakh devotees take holy dip at Triveni Sangam

On the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima, thousands of devotees thronged Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar on Wednesday to take a holy dip in the Ganga River and offer prayers. Meanwhile, Prayagraj also witnessed a large crowd as devotees continued to arrive for the Magh Purnima snan at Triveni Sangam, part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025. Earlier in the day, flower petals were showered on devotees and ascetics taking a dip at Triveni Sangam, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the occasion.

Traffic congestion has reached unprecedented levels, with vehicles backed up for hundreds of kilometers outside Prayagraj. Officials say infrastructure is being stretched to the limit, making delays inevitable.

Authorities report that over 10 million pilgrims have already taken a ritual bath in the sacred waters of Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam by 8 AM on Magh Purnima, one of the holiest bathing days of Maha Kumbh 2025. With millions more arriving, the crowd continues to surge.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 will conclude on February 26, with the final Amrit Snan on Mahashivratri. The administration is closely monitoring all arrangements to prevent any mishaps, ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.

Devotees from across the country have expressed their gratitude for the well-organized facilities. Srinivas from Andhra Pradesh thanked CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi for ensuring a smooth experience at the Maha Kumbh. Another devotee, Gayatri, shared, "This is the first time I have truly felt the unity and religious fervor of India. The arrangements here are exceptional."

CM Yogi Adityanath greeted all devotees, saints, and religious leaders on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima Snan, praying for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. "Heartiest greetings to all revered saints, religious leaders, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have come for the holy bath at the sacred Triveni in Maha Kumbh 2025, Prayagraj. May Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati fulfill everyone’s wishes," the CM posted on social media.

Authorities have implemented strict security measures to manage the massive crowd. DGP Prashant Kumar, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, and officials from the CM Secretariat are overseeing the arrangements. Special police forces have been deployed at key pressure points, and real-time data from toll plazas is being monitored to regulate traffic.

The fairgrounds have been declared a no-vehicle zone from 4 AM on Tuesday, and from 5 PM onwards, the entire city will also become a no-vehicle zone, except for emergency and essential services. To facilitate smooth travel, the state transport department has deployed 1,200 additional shuttle buses running at 10-minute intervals.

Amid elaborate arrangements, over 73.60 lakh devotees, including 10 lakh Kalpvasis, took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam and other ghats on Magh Purnima during the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. The sacred bath began early Wednesday, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath monitoring the event from Lucknow’s war room since 4 AM.

With Magh Purnima marking the conclusion of the month-long Kalpavas, around 10 lakh Kalpvasis have started departing from the Kumbh grounds. The administration has urged them to follow traffic rules and use only designated parking areas to ensure smooth movement.

On the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima, devotees taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam were greeted with a shower of flower petals (Pushp Varsha) as part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. According to official data, over 48.83 million devotees have taken a dip so far. The total number of pilgrims visiting the Mela grounds has reached 38.83 million, while Kalpwasis residing in the area have surpassed 10 million. The cumulative count of devotees who have performed the snan (ritual bath) since the beginning of the festival has exceeded 462.5 million. With several more auspicious bathing dates approaching, the footfall is expected to rise further in the coming days.

On the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima, devotees thronged Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat, taking a holy dip in the Ganga and offering prayers. Meanwhile, the ongoing Maha Kumbh witnessed a massive gathering at the Triveni Sangam, where lakhs of devotees participated in the sacred ritual. According to official data, over 48.83 million devotees have taken a dip so far. In Ayodhya, pilgrims also performed the ritual bath in the Saryu River, with many proceeding to pay their respects at the newly inaugurated Shree Ram Temple.

The arrival of devotees from all corners of the country continues on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima. Special attention has been given to their comfort and dignity. This year, as in previous years, officials are closely monitoring the bathing areas from helicopters, ensuring smooth arrangements. Additionally, flower showers are being carried out to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the holy occasion.

On the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima, devotees from across the country are taking a holy dip in sacred rivers. To prevent overcrowding at the ghats, the Mela Parishad has deployed 40 police announcers who are actively making announcements at every riverbank to ensure smooth crowd management.

After Maghi Purnima, the final and most significant Snan of Mahakumbh 2025 will take place on February 26, coinciding with Mahashivratri. This grand ritual marks the official conclusion of the Mahakumbh Mela, and millions of devotees are expected to participate in the last dip at Sangam. Saints, Akharas, and spiritual leaders will lead Shiva-centric prayers, Rudra Abhishek pujas, and special processions, making it a spectacular and spiritually significant event.

To accommodate the massive influx of devotees, Indian Railways and UP State Transport have introduced special trains and additional bus services connecting Prayagraj with major cities across India. Railways have also increased security and ticket checking staff to manage the rush. Pilgrims are advised to book their return journeys in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

As the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 enters its final stretch, foreign devotees continue to arrive in Prayagraj to witness the grand spectacle. Edward, a pilgrim from Belgium, described the event as "the best place in the world today," praising the vibrant atmosphere and friendly crowd. Similarly, a devotee from France shared his excitement, calling it a "wonderful" experience and expressing anticipation for the arrival of the revered sadhus. The global appeal of Mahakumbh remains evident as international visitors immerse themselves in the spiritual grandeur of the festival.

A massive crowd of devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam on Wednesday for a holy dip during the ongoing Maha Kumbh on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima. Official data reveals that over 48.83 million devotees have participated in the ritual so far. Meanwhile, Ayodhya also witnessed a large influx of devotees taking a holy dip in the Saryu River on Magh Purnima, with many proceeding to offer prayers at the newly inaugurated Shree Ram Temple after completing their sacred bath.

Maghi Purnima is considered one of the most auspicious days for charity (daan-punya). Hindu scriptures emphasize that donating food, clothes, and essentials on this day is equivalent to performing a thousand yajnas (sacrificial rituals). Devotees are engaging in Anna Daan (food distribution), offering blankets to the needy, and donating to temples and charitable organizations to seek divine blessings and good karma.

Despite chilly winter temperatures, thousands of devotees have already started queuing up along the ghats for the holy dips. The bathing muhurat commenced before sunrise, and religious groups, saints, and Akharas led the ritualistic procession into the sacred waters. Devotees believe that taking a dip at Brahma Muhurat (pre-dawn hours) brings maximum spiritual benefits and liberation from past sins.

With Mahakumbh 2025 reaching its final phase, security has been intensified ahead of Magh Purnima on February 12. Authorities have ramped up preparations to ensure smooth crowd management and seamless celebrations.

To monitor the large gatherings at the Ganga ghats, police have deployed drones as part of enhanced security measures. This initiative aims to ensure safety and maintain order as millions of devotees participate in the sacred bathing ritual.

DCP of Kashi Zone, Gaurav Banswal, confirmed that stringent arrangements are in place. He stated, "The Municipal Corporation has set up barricades at the ghats, and the police are closely reviewing the situation. Drones are also being used to monitor the ghats, while top officials are continuously inspecting the arrangements."

Vaibhav Krishna, DIG Prayagraj, also acknowledged the massive participation of devotees and assured that all arrangements were functioning effectively. He said, "On the occasion of Magh Purnima, a significant number of devotees are arriving for the 'snan'. Our preparations are well in place—parking, traffic diversions, and other logistical measures have been activated. Everything is under control, and devotees are following the rules and regulations without any disruptions."

Vivek Chaturvedi, Additional Mela Officer, highlighted the overwhelming turnout of devotees at the Magh Purnima Snan. He stated, "Today marks the sacred 'snan' of Maghi Purnima. This time, an unexpected number of devotees have gathered at the Mela. The bathing rituals are ongoing, and a large crowd continues to arrive. All necessary preparations have been made to manage the influx smoothly."

Mahakumbh Maghi Purnima 2025: CM Yogi Adityanath Extends Warm Wishes on Magh Purnima

Over 10 lakh Kalpvasis—devotees who spent the past month in spiritual retreat along the banks of Sangam—will conclude their Kalpvas journey on Maghi Purnima. These pilgrims have been fasting, meditating, and engaging in prayers since Paush Purnima, marking a period of deep self-discipline and devotion. Before leaving, they will perform sacred rituals, donate to the poor (daan-punya), and seek blessings from saints and spiritual leaders.

Given the massive influx of devotees, authorities have deployed over 10,000 police personnel, drone surveillance, and CCTVs to monitor the crowd and ensure security. Checkpoints have been set up, and strict crowd control measures are in place to prevent any incidents. Medical teams, ambulances, and disaster response units have also been stationed at key locations to handle any emergencies. Devotees are advised to carry minimal belongings and follow security guidelines for a hassle-free experience.

A special helicopter floral shower will take place at 8 AM, offering a divine experience for pilgrims taking the Maghi Purnima holy dip at the Sangam. As part of the spiritual celebrations, thousands of kilograms of fresh flowers will be dropped from above, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle and enhancing the sacred energy of the event. Pilgrims are encouraged to arrive early to witness this celestial moment.

To manage the massive crowd and ensure smooth movement, the Prayagraj administration has implemented a no-vehicle zone around the Mahakumbh area. Entry of all private vehicles is restricted, and devotees must walk or use government-arranged e-rickshaws and shuttle buses to reach the Sangam. Traffic diversions have been put in place, and authorities have urged visitors to follow the designated pedestrian routes to avoid congestion.

Lakhs of devotees have already reached Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, for the Maghi Purnima Snan, with footfall expected to cross 5 crore by early morning. The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that over 45 crore pilgrims have taken the holy dip since the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 began on January 13. The rush is expected to peak before sunrise as per the traditional muhurat (auspicious timing) for the ritual bathing.