Prayagraj, India – The 45-day-long Maha Kumbh 2025, the world’s largest human gathering, concluded on February 26 with a spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force over the Mela area. The religious event, which began on January 13 (Paush Purnima), saw millions of devotees participating in grand processions, three ‘Amrit Snans,’ and numerous spiritual rituals.
Held once every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh this year coincided with Mahashivratri, drawing an unprecedented crowd of over 64 crore pilgrims. The final day was marked by the last auspicious ‘snan’ at the holy Sangam, where devotees gathered from midnight onwards. Many waited patiently for the sacred ‘Brahma Muhurt’ dip, while others performed their bathing rituals ahead of schedule.
To ensure smooth crowd management, authorities imposed a ban on all vehicle movements, except for administrative and medical services, within the Maha Kumbh Mela area. The restriction will remain in place until 8 AM on February 27 or until the crowd disperses.
Indian Railways Facilitates Devotee Travel with 300-350 Daily Trains
Indian Railways played a crucial role in facilitating pilgrim transport during the Maha Kumbh. According to Railway Board’s Executive Director of Information & Publicity, Dilip Kumar, nearly 300-350 trains operated daily, transporting around 15 lakh devotees to and from Prayagraj.
“In this Maha Kumbh, we aimed to accommodate as many pilgrims as possible through rail services. Our strategy was to manage passenger flow by using holding areas on major ‘snan’ days and scheduling their destination trains accordingly,” Kumar stated.
As the Maha Kumbh 2025 comes to an end, it leaves behind a legacy of spiritual significance, extraordinary logistics, and an unparalleled display of faith and devotion.
Key Points:
- Grand Conclusion: Maha Kumbh 2025 ended on February 26 with an Indian Air Force air show over the Mela area.
- Massive Participation: The event, held once every 12 years, witnessed a record-breaking attendance of over 64 crore pilgrims.
- Spiritual Significance: The 45-day fair featured grand processions of Naga Sadhus, three ‘Amrit Snans,’ and numerous religious rituals.
- Final Holy Dip: Devotees began gathering at the Sangam from midnight, with many performing their sacred baths before the ‘Brahma Muhurt.’
- Traffic Restrictions: Authorities banned vehicle movement in the Mela area, except for medical and administrative services, until February 27 morning.
- Indian Railways Support: Nearly 300-350 trains operated daily, transporting around 15 lakh devotees to and from Prayagraj.
- Efficient Crowd Management: Holding areas were used on major ‘snan’ days to regulate passenger flow and train departures.
