Sunday’s Maha Shivratri marked the triumphant close of Prayagraj’s Magh Mela, where devotion peaked with over 40 lakh faithful plunging into the Sangam waters. The 44-day fair drew a staggering 22 crore visitors, the highest ever recorded, amid chants that turned the confluence into a sea of spirituality.
Gorakhpur stole the spotlight as CM Yogi Adityanath led rituals at Gorakhnath Temple’s Shakti Peeth. The Rudrabhishek and jalabhishek were heartfelt pleas for a healthy, prosperous Uttar Pradesh. He visited Andhiyari Bagh’s Manasarovar and Bhrohia’s Piteshwar Nath, invoking blessings for all creation.
Kashi pulsed with energy: flower showers welcomed Shiva bhakts, and tributes from 63 global temples graced Vishweshwar’s aarti, later distributed among pilgrims. Over 520,000 darshans by 6 PM highlighted the draw. In Ayodhya, temples overflowed, secured by five zones and 12 sectors with extra forces.
From dawn processions to night-long vigils, Maha Shivratri embodied Shiva’s marriage celebration. Bel leaves, sacred waters, and milk offerings symbolized surrender. UP’s administration, under Yogi’s vigilant eye, ensured safety and sanctity, setting a benchmark for mega-faith events amid rising pilgrim surges.