With the Maha Kumbh Mela set to conclude on Wednesday during Maha Shivratri, Varanasi is bracing for what officials predict may be the biggest crowd ever seen within the city. A massive surge of pilgrims coming from Prayagraj is expected, where the final holy bath will draw countless devotees eager to experience the spirituality of the occasion. The Varanasi police and administration have implemented extensive plans to manage this anticipated influx, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and facilitating smooth public movement.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, 2025, has attracted over 64 crore people to Prayagraj. Now, as the festivities wind down, many from these historic events are turning their attention to the Kashi Vishwanath temple situated in Varanasi's heart. A police officer noted, "The traffic management plan, prepared in anticipation of the surge in pilgrims, is being strictly implemented to curb prolonged vehicular congestion." This strict traffic management includes barriers at key locations, prohibiting certain vehicles from entering congested city areas, and directing others to designated parking sites.
Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal stressed the necessity of these measures, elaborated on the comprehensive arrangements made: "We’ve set up around 40 parking lots capable of accommodating approximately 100,000 vehicles. Shuttle buses will transport pilgrims from these lots to the nearest points where they can walk the final one-and-a-half kilometers to the temple." The local administration has organized efforts to direct foot traffic effectively to avoid overcrowding at transit points like railway stations.
On Maha Shivratri, especially, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple will remain open for extended hours to cater to the expected millions of visitors. Once popularized as the holiest day for worshipping Shiva, recent numbers suggest nearly one million devotees might arrive to take part in the rituals and celebrations shaping the day. To accommodate the high footfall, the administration has closed schools up to Class 8 and has initiated online courses to maintain educational engagement.
Alongside the domestic pilgrims, the Kumbh Mela has also drawn international visitors captivated by India's rich culture, spirituality, and communal warmth. Brazilian devotee Danielle shared his exhilaration, saying, "This is an amazing and unforgettable experience. We come from very far… The whole Kumbh Mela is amazing… People are very friendly and welcoming." Fellow Brazilian Caco Barcelos emphasized the unique atmosphere found, exclaiming, "The emotions are very high… The smile of Indian people is wonderful."
Foreign visitors, enthralled by the Mahashivratri festivities, visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple, standing shoulder to shoulder with local devotees reciting the 'Shiv Tandav Stotram.' One London attendee said, "I feel so much joy and peace… It feels more special than every other day." Her experience speaks to the sense of community at these grand events where cultural and religious threads intertwine, showcasing India's vibrant traditions.
Meanwhile, local customs faced challenges as organizers adapted age-old practices to sustain public safety. The 'Shiv Baraat' procession, which has been celebrated traditionally on Maha Shivratri for over four decades, will break with tradition this year as it’s scheduled to occur the day after the celebration due to crowd management necessities. Shiv Baraat Committee Secretary Kamal Kumar Singh remarked, "Initially, the administration suggested canceling the procession; our decision to postpone marks the first time this will occur after such longstanding practice." This change has created political friction with local leaders raising concerns about its potential effects on Varanasi's cultural integrity.
Throughout the Kumbh Mela, the reverberations of faith have echoed beyond sacred sites. Naga sadhus, who have traversed from Prayagraj to Varanasi, will continue to participate in rituals at temples around the city even beyond the Mela's conclusion. "We will bow before Kashi Vishwanath in all its splendour," said Mahant Prem Giri, president of Juna Akhara, as they prepared to conduct last rites and prayers on Maha Shivratri.
The Kumbh Mela has created lasting memories for devotees, and as the event draws to closure, the mood shifts from celebratory to reflective. The confluence of faith and human connection manifests even more powerfully when one talks to attendees who have made sacrifices just to partake. Indeed, Gopesh Tripathi, a businessman from Prayagraj, reflected, "Since January 13, we felt like the centre of the universe." Now, as the pilgrims depart, there lies behind them not just physical remnants of their presence but rather traces of their devotion, faith, and cultural sharing, which will inevitably leave its mark on Varanasi and its people.
With preparations already beginning for the next Kumbh Mela, anticipated for 2031, the spirit of the Maha Kumbh lingers as it departs, interweaving its legacy with the eternal narrative of India’s revered traditions.