The 45-day spiritual Maha Kumbh which commenced on January 13, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, witnessed a record gathering of devotees taking dip at the Triveni Sangam -- the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers -- in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
According to the UP government, on the last day of Maha Kumbh, which concluded on Wednesday, about one crore 53 lakh devotees took a holy dip on Mahashivratri.
In a record in itself, a total of 66 crore 30 lakh devotees took a holy dip. Earlier, in the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh, 24 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam.
The Maha Kumbh has witnessed six special bathing dates -- Paush Purnima on January 13, Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12 and Mahashivratri on February 26 -- including three 'Amrit Snans'.
A stampede on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya last month led to the deaths of at least 30 people and left 60 injured, according to the government.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), UP CM Yogi said, "The 'Maha Yagya' of humanity, the grand festival of faith, unity and equality, Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj, organized under the guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, is moving towards its completion today with the holy bath of Mahashivratri."
He added, "Starting from 13 January, Paush Purnima, till today 26 February, Mahashivratri, in a total of 45 days, more than 66 crore 21 lakh devotees received the holy benefit of bathing in the holy Triveni in Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj. This is unprecedented in world history - unforgettable."
"It is the result of the holy blessings of revered Akharas, saints, Mahamandaleshwars and religious leaders that this Mahasamagam of harmony is becoming divine and grand and giving the message of unity to the entire world. Hearty congratulations and gratitude to all the dignitaries, all the devotees from the country and abroad and Kalpavasis who are the architects of this success", his post further reads.
"Thanks to the Maha Kumbh Mela administration, local administration, police administration, sanitation workers, Ganga messengers, voluntary organizations, religious organizations, boatmen and all the departments of the central and state government associated with the Maha Kumbh, as well as all the great people and organizations who directly and indirectly helped in organizing the Maha Kumbh. Special thanks to the people of Prayagraj, whose patience and hospitality mesmerized everyone. May Maa Ganga, Lord Beni Madhav bless you all", his post concluded.