One of the world’s largest religious gatherings, Maha Kumbh Mela concluded on 2025, February 26, 2025 in Pragraj, India. The event was attended by more than 663 million devotees, which spread from 13 January to 26 February.

There are 10 major highlights from this monumental incident:

Record attendance: There was an unprecedented voting in the festival, with more than 663 million pilgrims, Triveni Sangam, Ganga Sangam, Yamuna and Puranic Saraswati rivers took the holy dip in rivers.

Rare celestial alignment: The Maha Kumbh of this year was particularly special due to the alignment of a unique planet, which occurs once every 144 years, which increases the spiritual significance of the festival.

High-profile participation: The program saw attendance from major data including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took a holy dip in Sangam on 5 February.

International delegation: A delegation of 118 diplomats from 77 countries visited the Maha Kumbh on 1 February, reflecting the global appeal of the festival.

Ayush Healthcare Services: In collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, National AYUSH Mission, Uttar Pradesh, provided free health services to both domestic and international pilgrims including clinics and welfare sessions.

Cultural procession: The festival had a lively procession by various Akhar (Hindu Mathvasi orders), which adds the grandeur of the event and gives a glimpse to the devotees in the rich cultural heritage of India.

Sorrowful stampede: On 29 January, a stampede occurred during one of the main bathing days, resulting in several deadly and injuries. Officials have started investigating the incident.

Increased security measures: To manage the crowd on a large scale, the authorities implemented a comprehensive security protocol, including the entire site to prevent congestion and the declaration of pre-vehicle as a no-vehicle region.

Global Media Coverage: This festival attracted the attention of important international media, exposing its scale, cultural significance and challenges related to such a massive event management.

Parine on Maha Shivaratri: The festival concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, in which millions of devotees participated in the last holy dip, marking the end of the 45-day spiritual assembly.