Maha Kumbh 2025: Triveni Sangam gears up for a grand spectacle, one last time — until next time

The 45-day religious gathering, which commenced on January 13, concludes on February 26. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, over 600 million devotees have taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam since its beginning. (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

At Triveni Sangam, the boundary between day and night dissolved during the 45-day period. From dawn to dusk and midnight to sunrise, the cycle of spiritual bathing continued uninterrupted in this grand congregation of faith and humanity. (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

Highlighting the unprecedented influx of devotees, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, "Maha Kumbh has shattered all previous records, making it the largest congregation in human history." (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

Patting his government for the management of the Maha Kumbh, Yogi Adityanath said, "This is the new Uttar Pradesh where spiritual tourism has been redefined, and the world is acknowledging the unparalleled power of Sanatan culture." (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

Talking about the intensity of crowd, a ceremonial threads seller from Rajasthan, Manish said, "This place gets crowd of pilgrims throughout the day, the ghats are choked all night too. Sangam is always abuzz with life and constant movement of people." (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

With each passing hour, the crowd grew denser. Pilgrims pushed their way to the riverbank, while those who had completed their holy dip struggled to find space to change. The banks overflowed with devotees—young and old, from villages and cities alike—creating a sea of faith and devotion. (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

As the sea of crowd continued to increase, authorities ensured smooth movement considering the recent stampede that killed 30. "'Aage badhiye, aage badhiye' (move forward, move forward)," shouted a policeman on duty to people. (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

Sharing the grand experience, a devotee from Jharkhand's Sahibganj said, "'Jai Ganga Maiyya, I had my 'snan' and it feels reinvigorating. This is my first time at any Kumbh Mela, I am glad I could be part of it." (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

Anticipating a massive influx of devotees from the Kumbh Mela on Mahashivratri (February 26), the organizers of Varanasi's Shiv Baraat have decided to reschedule the annual procession to the following day, marking a departure from a four-decade-old tradition. (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)

Billed as the world's largest gathering, the grand religious festival concludes on Wednesday with the final snan on Mahashivratri. As the event nears its end, an unceasing flow of devotees enters and exits the Maha Kumbh Mela grounds, with many opting for nighttime visits to escape the heavy daytime crowds. (Image credit: SL Shanth Kumar)