The Mahakumbh witnessed a massive surge in devotees on the occasion of Maghi Purnima on Wednesday, 12th February 2025. With the region, declared a no-vehicle zone, scores of devotees reached the Sangam to take the holy dip.
By far, as many as 46-47 crore devotees have taken the sacred bath at the Mahakumbh, making the event one of the largest human gatherings in history. There was an expectation of 45 crore devotees in the Mahakumbh, which is seen within one month only. The event still has 15 days remaining to it, and the footfall doesn’t seem to rest or even decrease a bit.
Maghi Purnima is believed to have a connection with the veneration of Guru Brahaspati and Hindu deity Gandharva to descend from heaven to the sacred sangam. The day also marks the conclusion of Kalpvas, a tradition where the devotees practice living near a sacred river for a set period of time, practicing self-discipline, introspection and self-purification.
Mentioning about the devotees and the Snan, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar said, “More than 1.3 crore devotees took a dip till 10 am today. Approximately 46-47 crore people have visited the Mahakumbh till now. We are also focused on places like Chitrakoot, Mirzapur, Vindhyanchal temple, Vishwanath corridor and Ayodhya because of the huge number of devotees visiting there.”
Taking to X, Chief minister Yogi Adityanath posted, “This is a celebration of public faith. It is a salutation to the eternal consciousness of Sanatan. It is an honor to India’s unity and equality.”
Till 6 am on Wednesday morning, 73 lakh devotees had taken the holy bath on Magh Purnima. The Snan was closely monitored by CM Yogi Adityanath from Lucknow with strict arrangements by the District Administration. In the morning, the helicopters also performed ‘Pushp Varsha’, showering of flower petals on devotees and ascetics at the Sangam.
Yogi Adityanath also extended his wishes to devotees for Magh Purnima saying, “Hearty congratulations to all the devotees and residents of the state on the holy bathing festival Magh Purnima! Heartiest greetings to all the revered saints, religious leaders, Kalpavasis and devotees who have come for the holy bath in sacred Triveni in Mahakumbh 2025, Prayagraj today. May everyone’s life be filled with happiness, prosperity and good fortune by the grace of Lord Shri Hari. May Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna and Mother Saraswati fulfill everyone’s wishes. This is my wish.”
India's one-third population has taken a dip at the Mahakumbh, the management effeciently managing the crowd after the mishap. As the event is progressing towards its end, a large number of people still plan to visit the grand spiritual gathering.