In this image released by @myogioffice via X on Wednesday, February 26, rose petals are being showered on devotees as they take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Prayagraj.
LIVE: Maha Kumbh ends with final 'snan'; over 1.32 crore take holy dip
Maha Shivratri commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and holds special significance in the context of the Kumbh Mela
Chimes of cymbals, holy chants, and kaleidoscopic colours of India fuse into each other at the Triveni Sangam, as pilgrims from various parts of the country converge at the holy confluence site on Maha Shivratri to take a dip on the last day of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Maha Kumbh, the spectacle that takes place once in 12 years, began on January 13 (Paush Purnima) and has had three Amrit Snans so far. The mega religious gathering has drawn a record over 64 crore pilgrims so far.
Maha Shivratri is the last auspicious snan (bath) of the Maha Kumbh, a large number of devotees have begun to gather on the banks of the Sangam from close to midnight Wednesday (February 26), and while some camped and waited patiently to take the dip at Brahma Muhurt, scores performed the bathing rituals much before the appointed time.
Maha Shivratri commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and holds special significance in the context of the Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva played a crucial role in the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), which led to the emergence of the Amrit Kumbh (nectar pitcher), the very essence of the Kumbh Mela.
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Live Updates
- 26 Feb 2025 2:26 PM GMT
Over 1.32 crore take holy dip on Maha Shivaratri, overall 65 crore-plus
The latest count of devotees at 4 pm on Wednesday was recorded at over 1.32 crore, while the overall figures have already surged past 65 crore, according to the Uttar Pradesh government, which is hosting the Maha Kumbh on the banks of the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
- 26 Feb 2025 12:55 PM GMT
Mamata: Not correct to say Maha Kumbh is happening after 144 years
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has questioned whether Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj is happening after 12 years or 144 years.
Banerjee's remarks come on back of her recent criticism of Maha Kumbh, calling it 'Mrityu Kumbh'.
“Gangasagar happens every year. Kumbh happens once every 12 years. As far as I know, in the temple of Puri, the deity made of neem wood has many rules and regulations. As far as I know, the neem wood idol in the Puri temple is replaced once every 12 years. Every place has its own rules. So, those who say Kumbh happens after 144 years... it happened in 2013 as well, as far as I’ve heard. If I’m mistaken, please correct me,” Mamata Banerjee said, according to media reports on Wednesday (February 26).
“It is not correct to say that the Kumbh is happening after 144 years. You are controlling the media, and many people have died. Many families have lost their lives in the stampede. I am not commenting on those who are taking a dip. Everyone has their own belief. I am not saying anything about the devotees. Religion is personal. Everyone believes what they believe. Saying that Kumbh happens after 144 years or happened 144 years ago is not correct. We request those who are knowledgeable to present the correct information,” she said.
- 26 Feb 2025 12:26 PM GMT
UP CM on a temple tour
On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday dedicated his day to the worship of Lord Shiva.
From the sacred premises of Gorakshpeeth to four major Shiva temples in the district, the chief minister, who is also Gorakshpeethadhishwar, performed rituals including 'darshan', 'pooja', 'Jalabhishek' and 'Rudrabhishek', an official statement said.
Following the traditional rituals, Adityanath prayed to Lord Adiyogi for the well-being of the people, national prosperity and a life of health, peace and happiness for all citizens, it said.
The chief minister visited multiple temples, offering prayers and seeking divine blessings on this day.
He started his Maha Shivratri rituals at Gorakhnath Temple in the morning by performing Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva, using cow's milk at the Shakti Temple on the first floor.
Subsequently, he conducted a 'havan' and offered 'aarti'.
He also worshipped at the Shiva Temple within the Gorakhnath Temple complex, where he offered prayers to Lord Nandi and performed Jalabhishek (holy water offering) to Lord Shiva.
- 26 Feb 2025 7:23 AM GMT
81.09 lakh people take Sangam dip by 10 am
According to government data, by 2 am on Wednesday, over 11.66 lakh devotees immersed themselves in the Sangam on Mahashivratri, which marks the last day of the Kumbh. The number surged to 25.64 lakh in the next two hours and 41.11 lakh by 6 am. By 10 am, 81.09 lakh people had taken the final 'snan' at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. - 26 Feb 2025 5:18 AM GMT
UP CM congratulates devotees for Sangam dip
Yogi Adityanath tweets: "Hearty congratulations to all the revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who have come to take a dip of faith in the Triveni Sangam today on the holy bathing festival of Mahashivratri dedicated to the worship of Lord Bholenath in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj! May Lord Shiva, the lord of the three worlds, and the holy river Mother Ganga bless everyone, this is my prayer."
