Lakhs of pilgrims today converged at Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical river Saraswati, here for a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Maghi Poornima, virtually drawing the curtain on the ongoing 55-day Maha Kumbh congregation.
Buoyed by the fine weather after two days of heavy rainfall, a large number of devotees reached the Sangam trudging through water-logged pathways and walking several miles as massive security arrangements and restrictions on vehicular traffic are in place from around midnight.
According to the Kumbh Mela administration, over 20 lakh people have taken a holy dip in the Sangam so far.
Although officially the Maha Kumbh will conclude on March 10 coinciding with Mahashivaratri, the festive atmosphere associated with the 12-yearly congregation is now likely to fade away with the departure of ascetics and most of the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, in view of the disruption in normal traffic that is likely in the wake of heavy exodus of pilgrims after today's 'snan (holy bath)', the district administration has ordered closure of all schools till tomorrow.
