Prayagraj:
In a spectacle of faith and devotion, millions of devotees converged on the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on February 12, 2025, to participate in the sacred Maghi Purnima bath during the Maha Kumbh Mela. This auspicious event, part of the world’s largest spiritual gathering, was meticulously monitored by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from a war room in Lucknow to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.
The Maghi Purnima bath marked a significant milestone, as it concluded the month-long Kalpavas, a period of intense spiritual discipline for around 10 lakh Kalpvasis who were preparing to leave the Kumbh Mela grounds. The event was supported by elaborate security and crowd management arrangements, reflecting the state government’s commitment to managing the massive influx of devotees.
On February 12, 2025, the Triveni Sangam witnessed an unprecedented gathering as over 73 lakh people, including 10 lakh Kalpvasis, took a ritual dip by 6 am. This sacred bath is considered one of the most auspicious days for a holy dip, believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual upliftment. The bathing time, precisely between 5:19 AM and 6:10 AM, was chosen based on astrological significance to maximize spiritual benefits.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was actively involved, monitoring the event from his war room in Lucknow since 4 am. His presence underscored the state’s dedication to ensuring the event’s success. The administration also urged devotees to adhere to traffic rules and use only authorized parking spaces to avoid congestion.
To manage the vast crowds, Kumbh SSP Rajesh Dwivedi oversaw enhanced security measures at all pressure points. Special police forces were deployed to handle crowd management, and a special traffic plan was implemented to prevent chaos. Real-time data from toll plazas and neighboring districts helped in monitoring and regulating vehicle movement, ensuring a smooth evacuation of devotees from the fair area.
The state transport department played a crucial role by arranging 1,200 additional shuttle buses, available every 10 minutes, to facilitate the movement of devotees. These arrangements were praised by devotees, who appreciated the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in creating a conducive and safe environment.
The Maghi Purnima bath holds immense spiritual and religious importance. It is believed that on this day, celestial beings descend to Earth and bathe in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam, making it an ideal time for spiritual reflection, meditation, and devotion. Devotees performed various rituals, including prayers to the Sun God and special pujas for Guru Brahaspati, along with charitable acts like Anna Daan.
As of February 11, 2025, the cumulative number of devotees who have performed snan since the beginning of the festival has exceeded 462.5 million. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which commenced on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025), will conclude on February 26 with the final ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
