Over 1.3 Crore Devotees Take Holy Dip on Maghi Purnima at Mahakumbh
Prayagraj, February 12 – The sacred Maghi Purnima Snan at Mahakumbh 2025 witnessed a massive turnout as over 1.3 crore devotees took a dip in the holy Ganga and Sangam by 10 AM on Wednesday. Since early morning, a steady stream of men, women, children, and elderly devotees made their way to the sacred ghats, marking the fifth major bathing festival of the Mahakumbh.
According to figures released by the Mela administration, over 47.45 crore pilgrims have taken a dip in the Ganga and Sangam since the commencement of the Mahakumbh. Authorities have urged all Kalpavasis to adhere to traffic regulations and use only designated parking areas.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been monitoring the arrangements since 4 AM from his ‘war room’ in Lucknow, accompanied by Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, and other officials. Extending his greetings on Maghi Purnima, CM Yogi posted on social media platform X, welcoming saints, religious leaders, Kalpavasis, and devotees to the holy occasion. He expressed prayers for happiness, prosperity, and divine blessings for all.
The month-long Kalpavas—a period of rigorous spiritual discipline observed by thousands of devotees—culminates with the Maghi Purnima Snan. Approximately 10 lakh Kalpavasis who had pledged to live an austere life along the Ganga banks will now return to their homes after performing concluding rituals, including Ganga Puja and Deepdaan (lamp offerings).
According to Rajendra Mishra, the founder of Triveni Sangam Aarti Seva Samiti, Kalpavasis observe a strict regimen, including sleeping on the ground, bathing thrice daily, cooking their own meals, and practicing charity and spiritual discourse. Upon fulfilling their vows, they depart based on astrological considerations, with most leaving within two to three days.
Madan Gopal Shukla, a Kalpavasi from Gorakhpur, expressed his deep spiritual fulfillment after completing his Kalpavas, saying, "This has been an enriching experience. I have been coming here for four years, offering my bad habits to Ganga. This year, I have successfully quit tobacco. Next year, I will work on overcoming other weaknesses."
Security and Traffic Management Strengthened
With millions of devotees arriving, authorities have intensified crowd management and security measures. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajesh Dwivedi assured that smooth traffic flow and safety protocols were in place, with enhanced vigilance at crowded locations.
To prevent congestion, private and public vehicles entering Prayagraj post-February 11 morning were directed to designated parking zones. Additionally, from 5 PM on February 11, the entire city has been declared a 'No Vehicle Zone', with exceptions made only for emergency services.
Many pilgrims, including Srinivas from Andhra Pradesh, expressed their appreciation for the arrangements made by the Yogi Adityanath-led government. He remarked, "This is an incredible experience. The government has ensured excellent facilities. Thanks to Yogi Ji and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I feel immense pride in my Hindu identity by being here."
The Maghi Purnima Snan has once again showcased the grandeur and devotion surrounding Mahakumbh 2025, as pilgrims from across the country and the world gathered to partake in this sacred tradition.
