Prayagraj is witnessing an overwhelming turnout as the sacred Magh Purnima bath continues at Mahakumbh 2025. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a gathering in Baghpat, remarked, “This is the new Uttar Pradesh. The state has a population of 25 crore, yet till yesterday, 50 crore people have taken a dip in the holy waters of the Sangam.”
Massive Crowds at the Ghats, Tightened Security Measures
The Magh Purnima bath has drawn an enormous crowd, with devotees gathering up to 10 km away from the Sangam. Authorities report that 1.83 crore people have already taken the holy dip, with an estimated 2.5 crore expected by the end of the day. To celebrate the occasion, helicopters showered 25 quintals of flowers over the pilgrims.
Traffic Restrictions and Crowd Control
Due to heavy congestion, authorities have revised the traffic plan, restricting vehicle entry into the city and the fairgrounds. Devotees are walking 8–10 km to reach the ghats, with limited shuttle buses available from designated parking areas.
Security has been heightened with paramilitary forces stationed at the Sangam to manage the crowd and prevent overcrowding. For the first time, 15 District Magistrates, 20 IAS officers, and 85 PCS officers have been deployed for crowd management. Major pilgrimage sites, including the Hanuman Temple, Akshayvat, and Digital Mahakumbh Kendra, have been temporarily closed to regulate the flow of visitors.
Kalpavas Concludes, Final Bathing Festival on February 26
Magh Purnima marks the conclusion of Kalpavas, a sacred month-long stay by devotees. Nearly 10 lakh Kalpavasis are set to return home after completing their religious observances. According to astrologers, the auspicious bathing time will continue until 7:22 PM.
Today marks the 31st day of Mahakumbh 2025, with four major bathing festivals already completed since January 13. So far, approximately 46 crore devotees have taken a dip. The final bathing festival is scheduled for February 26, on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
