On Wednesday, thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to take a sacred dip on the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima during the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. The ritual marks a significant spiritual event, drawing pilgrims from across the country.
A Spiritual Spectacle at the Maha Kumbh
Drone visuals from the early hours of the day captured a breathtaking scene of devotees immersing themselves in the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Adding to the grandeur, a helicopter showered flower petals on the devotees and ascetics performing the ritualistic bath.
According to Additional Mela Officer Vivek Chaturvedi, the turnout for the snan exceeded expectations. “An unexpected crowd has arrived for the Mela this time. However, all preparations are in place to ensure a smooth experience. The Magh Purnima bath will continue throughout the day,” he said.
Massive Arrangements to Handle the Rush
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that more than 45 crore devotees have taken a dip in the holy Triveni Sangam since the commencement of the Mahakumbh. Authorities have enforced special measures, including a no-vehicle zone in Prayagraj, except for emergency services. The city’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Vaibhav Krishna, urged people to follow verified updates from the UP Police on social media for traffic and security-related advisories.
To facilitate the influx of devotees, all schools in Prayagraj have remained online from February 7 to 12, ensuring minimal disruption. Meanwhile, the state transport department deployed 1,200 additional buses, running at an interval of every 10 minutes, while Indian Railways strengthened its services by reviewing arrangements at eight railway stations, including Prayagraj Junction.
AI-Driven Surveillance and Healthcare Readiness
Authorities have deployed artificial intelligence-powered cameras and drones to monitor crowd movements and manage traffic effectively. Data from toll plazas is being analyzed in real time to regulate incoming traffic and streamline entry routes.
Health and safety remain a top priority, with all hospitals in the Mahakumbh area placed on high alert. The medical infrastructure includes 133 ambulances (including seven river ambulances and one air ambulance), over 2,000 medical personnel stationed at various checkpoints, and an additional 700 staff on standby at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. With 250 dedicated emergency beds and 200 units of blood stocked up, medical teams are well-prepared to handle any exigencies.
A Sacred Journey to Enlightenment
The Magh Purnima snan also marks the culmination of the month-long ‘Kalpavas,’ during which devotees practice intense spiritual discipline at the Sangam. With Maha Shivratri on February 26 set to mark the grand conclusion of Mahakumbh 2025, millions are expected to continue their pilgrimage to this sacred gathering, which occurs once every 12 years and is considered the world’s largest spiritual congregation.
