• By Imran Zafar
  • Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:25 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, concludes on February 26, marking the end of a 45-day spiritual congregation that attracted over 65 crore devotees from India and abroad. The festival, held every 12 years, culminates on Mahashivratri, with pilgrims taking a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers—seeking 'moksha' and spiritual purification.

Record-Breaking Attendance

The Uttar Pradesh government reported that the Mahakumbh 2025's attendance surpassed the population of every country except India and China. The festival commenced on January 13 (Paush Purnima) and featured six special bathing dates, including Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and Mahashivratri (February 26). These auspicious days drew massive crowds, with the final attendance figures expected to be released soon.

Tragic Incidents Mar Festivities

The festival faced several challenges, notably a tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya (January 29) that resulted in at least 30 deaths and 60 injuries. The pre-dawn incident occurred as lakhs of pilgrims converged at the Sangam area for a holy dip. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the crowd surged, leading to the unfortunate loss of life. 

A view following a stampede before the 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya during the Maha Kumbh 2025, in Prayagraj. (Image: ANI)

In another incident on February 15, a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 18 lives and injured over a dozen individuals. The overcrowding was attributed to the influx of devotees returning from the Mahakumbh, highlighting the logistical challenges of managing such a massive event.

In response to the overwhelming attendance, authorities implemented several safety measures, including designating "no vehicle zones" within the Mela area and enforcing strict crowd control protocols. Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of pilgrims posed significant challenges. 

A major fire incident on January 19 in Sector 19 of the Mela area, caused by a cylinder blast, led to the destruction of over a dozen camps, though no casualties were reported. Additionally, on January 25, two cars caught fire in Sector 2 due to a short circuit, but no injuries occurred.

ALSO READ: Mahakumbh 2025 Last Day: Final Holy Dip Underway On Maha Shivratri, Police On Alert; IAF Conducts Air Show | VIDEOS

Viral Sensations Emerge

The Mahakumbh 2025 also witnessed the rise of viral personalities who captured public attention:

  • Monalisa 'Moni' Bhosle: A 16-year-old garland seller from Madhya Pradesh, Monalisa became an overnight sensation after videos highlighting her striking appearance were shared online. Her sudden fame led to crowds seeking selfies with her, sparking both admiration and concerns for her safety.

  • 'IIT Baba' Abhay Singh: Claiming to be a former aerospace engineer from IIT Bombay turned spiritual devotee of Lord Shiva, Abhay Singh gained massive traction on social media. His articulate English and engaging interactions at the Mela inspired conversations about the blend of science and spirituality.

    • Notable Personalities In Attendance

    The Mahakumbh attracted numerous notable figures from various fields:

    • Political Leaders: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on February 5. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the Ganga Aarti on January 18. Home Minister Amit Shah and President Droupadi Murmu also attended, with the President visiting on February 10. Several other union ministers and chief ministers of multiple states also took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Triveni Sangam during the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. (Image: ANI) 

    • International Dignitaries: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited the Mahakumbh on February 4. Erik Solheim, former Norwegian Minister for Climate and Environment, described his experience as a 'once in a lifetime' event.

  • Business Figures: Industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, along with their families, participated in the holy dip, underscoring the event's wide-reaching appeal.

  • Entertainment Personalities: Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, and Sunil Shetty were among the attendees. Music composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan performed twice during the festival, including at the inaugural ceremony on January 16. Other celebrities like Remo D'Souza, Guru Randhawa, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal also graced the event, highlighting its cultural significance.

    • Political Controversies 

    The festival was not without political controversies. Opposition parties accused the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government of mismanagement, especially following the January 29 stampede. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the administration, terming the event 'Mrityu Kumbh' (Death Kumbh). The Samajwadi Party and the Congress alleged that the government concealed the true death toll.

    Environmental Concerns

    Environmental concerns were also raised regarding water quality at the Sangam. Reports suggested alarming levels of faecal bacteria and total coliform. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that certain locations in Prayagraj did not meet primary water quality standards for bathing. 

    However, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed these claims, asserting in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly that the Ganga water at the Sangam was suitable for both "snan and aachman" (bathing and ritual drinking).