The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is set to conclude on February 26, as originally planned. Despite widespread speculation about a possible extension due to the overwhelming number of devotees, authorities have firmly dismissed these claims. District Magistrate (DM) of Prayagraj, Ravindra Kumar Mandhad, refuted the rumours, stating that misinformation was being spread by certain groups. He urged pilgrims to rely only on official government sources for updates regarding the festival.
Authorities Reaffirm Fixed Schedule
Speaking on the matter, DM Ravindra Kumar Mandhad clarified that unless an official announcement is made by the administration, people should ignore unverified reports. He emphasized that the festival’s end date remains February 26, which coincides with Maha Shivratri, and any changes will only be communicated through proper channels.
Unprecedented Footfall at Maha Kumbh 2025
Since its commencement on January 13, Maha Kumbh 2025 has seen record-breaking attendance. By February 14, more than 50 crore devotees had performed the sacred dip at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The sheer size of the gathering surpasses the population of almost every country except China and India, making it the largest religious congregation in history. On February 14 alone, over 92 lakh people participated in the holy rituals, surpassing initial estimates of 40–45 crore attendees over the festival’s duration.
Growing Demands for an Extension
The unexpected surge in pilgrims has led to calls for an extension. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), urged the Uttar Pradesh government to extend the festival timeline so that more devotees could participate. He also criticized the administration for allegedly underreporting crowd-related incidents, including a recent stampede. However, the government has not shown any intent to prolong the event, emphasizing that preparations remain aligned with the originally scheduled conclusion on February 26.
As Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches its final days, devotees are encouraged to follow official announcements and refrain from believing unverified social media reports that may disrupt their pilgrimage plans.
