Overview
- Magh Mela officials in Prayagraj reported about 10 lakh holy dips as queues formed through the night for Shiva darshan at major ghats and temples.
- At Grishneshwar in Maharashtra, authorities deployed 450 personnel, projected nearly four lakh visitors, kept the shrine open overnight and shifted parking one kilometre away.
- The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Pune district remained closed to devotees on Mahashivratri due to ongoing construction and crowd‑risk concerns, according to an official press note.
- Police and temple administrations managed large turnouts nationwide with barricades, organised queues and riverine supervision, while night-long pujas followed the four prahars with the Nishith Kaal highlighted as most auspicious.
- Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state chiefs, extended greetings as states from Kerala to the Telugu regions reported heavy participation in local rituals and special arrangements.