By The Sampadak Express
On Wednesday, a sea of devotees flocked to the ghats of Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to take part in the sacred ‘Magh Purnima’ bath, marking one of the most significant rituals of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. Early morning aerial footage captured by drones showcased the large crowds of devotees gathering at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
The spiritual significance of the occasion was heightened as devotees and ascetics received a divine blessing known as ‘Push Varsha’ when a helicopter hovered over the Sangam, showering petals onto the gathered masses. This sacred gesture added to the atmosphere of reverence and devotion that enveloped the area.
According to Vivek Chaturvedi, the additional mela officer, the crowd at this year’s Magh Purnima bath has exceeded expectations. “An unexpected crowd has come to the Mela this time for the snan,” he remarked. Despite the large turnout, all necessary arrangements have been made to accommodate the devotees. Chaturvedi further added that the Magh Purnima bath would continue throughout the day.
Maha Kumbh 2025: The Grand Gathering
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is a 12-yearly spiritual event considered the largest of its kind in the world. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath provided an update on the number of devotees participating in the Mela, stating that over 45 crore people have already visited the Triveni Sangam to take part in the sacred ‘Triveni bath’.
Magh Purnima, which falls on February 12, is the fourth ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh, a key event for pilgrims. It is traditionally observed at the Sangam, where the holy rivers converge. This day also marks the conclusion of the month-long ‘kalpavas’ (a period of intense spiritual practices) for many devotees who have been camping at the site since the Mela’s commencement.
Significance of Magh Purnima Bath
The ‘snan’ on Magh Purnima holds immense spiritual value, as it is believed to cleanse devotees of sins and grant them divine blessings. This bath at the Triveni Sangam is a deeply rooted tradition and is one of the most significant rituals of the Maha Kumbh Mela. It is especially important for the ‘kalpavasi’ pilgrims, who observe strict vows during the entire month of Kumbh.
On the occasion of Magh Purnima, CM Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to the people, seers, and devotees present at the Mela. He emphasized the significance of bathing, donating, and worshipping on this auspicious day. He also reminded authorities to ensure that no devotee or ‘kalpavasi’ faces any difficulties while participating in the rituals.
Administrative Measures and Arrangements
In light of the massive crowds, district authorities in Prayagraj have taken comprehensive measures to ensure smooth operations and security for all attendees. A no-vehicle zone has been declared around the Sangam area, with the exception of emergency vehicles. Devotees have been urged to rely on designated parking lots to prevent congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.
To manage the flow of people, high-tech surveillance systems, including AI-enabled cameras and drones, have been deployed to monitor crowd movements and ensure public safety. Real-time data from toll plazas is being collected, and neighboring districts are keeping track of incoming vehicles to regulate traffic efficiently.
Health and emergency services have also been significantly bolstered. Over 2,000 medical personnel have been stationed at various locations within the Mela grounds, with an additional 700 staff members on standby at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) hospital. The hospital has reserved 250 beds and stocked up on 200 units of blood in preparation for any medical emergencies.
A total of 133 ambulances, including road, river, and air ambulances, have been deployed to ensure quick response times in case of emergencies. Furthermore, 43 hospitals across the Mahakumbh Nagar have been equipped with 500 beds each to manage any health-related issues that may arise during the Mela.
Transportation and Travel Arrangements
In addition to medical preparedness, the transportation system in Prayagraj has been reinforced. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the arrangements at eight key railway stations, including the Prayagraj Junction. Additionally, the state transport department has arranged for 1,200 extra buses that will operate at regular intervals of 10 minutes to accommodate the high number of passengers.
For students, secondary schools in Prayagraj have switched to online classes, with physical sessions suspended from February 7 to 12 to ensure the safety and convenience of students during the Mela.
The grand event, which will conclude on February 26 with the celebration of Mahashivratri, marks the end of the spiritual journey for millions of devotees. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a testament to the deep cultural and spiritual roots of India, attracting pilgrims from across the globe for its profound religious significance.
