February 26 marks the last day of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which is being held on Mahashivratri. The mela (religious fair), a spectacle that takes place once in 12 years, began on January 13 (Paush Purnima) and saw grand processions of Naga Sadhus and three ‘Amrit Snans’. The mega religious gathering has drawn a record over 64 crore pilgrims so far.

Being the last auspicious ‘snan’ of the Maha Kumbh, a large number of devotees had begun to gather on the banks of the Sangam from close to midnight, and while some camped and waited patiently to take the dip at ‘Brahma Muhurt’, scores of them performed the bathing rituals much before the appointed time.

The movement of all types of vehicles, except administrative and medical vehicles, have been banned in the Mahakumbh Mela area till 8 am on February 27 or until the crowd ends.