• By Nidhi Giri
  • Sat, 15 Feb 2025 04:09 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Mahakumbh 2025 Extension: Urging devotees to stay away from rumours, district magistrate (DM) of Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj said that the Mahakumbh 2025 will conclude on its original end date of February 26, on the occasion of Mahashivratri and the dates have not been extended so far. Prayagraj DM Ravindra Kumar Mandhad blamed ‘anti-social elements’ for spreading the fake news and said the devotees should not pay attention to it.

“This is a rumour, and the end date for the Maha Kumbh Mela will be the 26th of February. I have said in the past as well that till the administration or government officially extends the date, one should not pay attention to rumours,” said Prayagraj DM Ravindra Kumar Mandhad, as quoted by news agency ANI.

“Anti-social elements of the society are creating confusion among the people. They use social media to spread such rumours, and people have to face problems. So, do not pay attention,” the DM added. The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 in Prayagraj. Its final day coincides with the festival of Maha Shivratri on February 26.

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Mahakumbh 2025 Extension Request By Akhilesh Yadav

The clarification from Prayagraj DM comes after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the Uttar Pradesh government to extend the duration of the Mahakumbh 2025, citing the overwhelming number of devotees on the roads still hoping to attend. Yadav claimed that in previous years, the Mahakumbh and Kumbh Mela lasted for 75 days, whereas the current schedule is shorter. "Even now, many people want to go to Maha Kumbh but cannot. In such a situation, the government should extend the time limit of Maha Kumbh," Akhilesh Yadav said.

As per UP government data, over 50 crore people have taken holy dip at the Sangam till Friday evening. Over 92 lakh had taken a dip till 6 pm on Friday alone, pushing the overall footfall at Mahakumbh 2025 past 50 crore (till February 14), the state government said.

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Mahakumbh 2025 Last Amrit Snan

The Mahakumbh Amrit Snan is a sacred bathing ritual in Hinduism, held every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, India. This event is of immense spiritual significance, attracting millions of devotees worldwide. According to Hindu legends, the gods and demons fought a war over the nectar of immortality, Amrit. During the battle, a few drops of Amrit fell on the earth, sanctifying the sites where the Kumbh Mela is held.

Over time, the Kumbh Mela has evolved into a grand festival, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. The Mahakumbh Amrit Snan is the most sacred and anticipated event of the Kumbh Mela, offering devotees a chance to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation. The last Ameit Snan of Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place on Mahashivratri. The last Mahakumbh Amrit Snan on Mahashivratri is on February 26 2025, Wednesday.