Maha Shivratri 2025 witnessed an unparalleled outpouring of devotion, with over 66 crore (660 million) devotees participating in various rituals and ceremonies across India. The festival, celebrated on February 26, 2025, marked the culmination of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which alone attracted more than 66.30 crore (663 million) pilgrims over its six-week duration.
On the final day, approximately 1.53 crore (15.3 million) devotees took the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. In Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple saw an influx of 10 to 12 lakh (1 to 1.2 million) devotees, leading authorities to suspend VIP darshan and implement special crowd management measures.
Despite meticulous planning, the massive gatherings posed significant challenges. A tragic stampede occurred during the festival, resulting in at least 30 deaths and numerous injuries. Authorities have since initiated investigations to prevent such incidents in future events.
The overwhelming participation in Maha Shivratri 2025 underscores the profound spiritual significance of the festival and the enduring faith of millions.
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