As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 nears its grand conclusion on February 26, the holy city of Prayagraj is witnessing an extraordinary gathering of pilgrims. With over 60 crore devotees already participating, the Triveni Sangam has become the focal point of spiritual fervor. The number of visitors continues to surge daily, especially as Maha Shivratri, one of Hinduism’s most sacred festivals, approaches. This massive turnout has led to severe traffic congestion, prompting authorities to implement stringent security and crowd management measures.
Since its commencement on January 13, 2025, the Maha Kumbh Mela has drawn millions of devotees from across India and beyond. Reports indicate that more than 1 crore people arrive in Prayagraj each day, leading to overcrowding on roads and railway stations. Long queues of vehicles from various states can be seen at the city’s entry points, while packed shuttle buses struggle to accommodate the influx. As a result, many pilgrims have resorted to walking distances of 10-15 kilometers to reach the main bathing sites, demonstrating their unwavering faith and devotion.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Heavy traffic witnessed in Prayagraj as devotees continue to reach there to participate in the #MahaKumbhMela2025 pic.twitter.com/79neXwQ3kg
— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2025
To manage the swelling crowds, security has been significantly enhanced. Kumbh’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna has confirmed the deployment of additional police personnel for better crowd control. At railway stations, where authorities anticipate an even larger rush in the festival’s final days, enhanced safety measures have been put in place. Since the start of the event, over 13,667 special trains have been operated to transport pilgrims efficiently. Additionally, DSP Yashwant Singh has stated that barricades and holding areas have been set up at Ayodhya Dham railway station to prevent overcrowding, following the recent tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.
Many devotees, after taking a holy dip at the Sangam, are extending their pilgrimage to Ayodhya, which is just 160 km from Prayagraj. The recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir has added to the significance of this journey, drawing thousands of pilgrims seeking blessings. In response, security arrangements in Ayodhya have also been tightened to ensure a safe and smooth experience for visitors.
With the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 set to conclude in just a few days, authorities expect the number of pilgrims to increase even further, particularly on Maha Shivratri, when devotees participate in the auspicious Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) at the Triveni Sangam. Officials are urging visitors to plan their travel wisely and adhere to security guidelines to ensure a seamless experience.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has already made history as one of the largest spiritual gatherings ever recorded. With over 60 crore devotees converging in Prayagraj, the event highlights India’s deep-rooted religious traditions and cultural unity. As the festival reaches its final phase, the focus remains on maintaining order and ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims who have come to seek divine blessings.
