Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 26 (ANI): Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara on Wednesday said that nearly half of the country's population participated in the Maha Kumbh, showcasing India's civilisation and culture to the world.

'Nearly half of India's population arrived at Kumbh. People across castes, religious beliefs and opinions came here together. The world saw our unity,' Giri Maharaj told reporters after offering prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the 'grand' arrangements for the Maha Kumbh.

'The world saw a glimpse of our civilisation and culture... Half of India's population prayed for the welfare of the world here at Kumbh... The Kumbh concludes today... I thank PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath and congratulate them for this grand arrangement, ' he said.

Meanwhile, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj said that all five Akharas offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple for the 'purnahuti' of the Maha Kumbh.

'On the occasion of Mahashivratri, all five Akharas offer prayers to Mahadev and performed 'abhishekam' for the 'purnahuti' of the Maha Kumbh,' he said.

Devotees from across the country arrived in large numbers at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday on the last 'Snan' of the Maha Kumbh, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Drone visuals showed a sea of devotees at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip on the last day of Maha Kumbh.

A devotee spoke to ANI and expressed her excitement about visiting the Maha Kumbh on its last day.

'I cannot express my sentiments in words... We came here with a lot of excitement... We came here because it is the last day of the Maha Kumbh. We are fortunate to have the blessings of Maa Ganga,' the devotee said.

The first Amrit Snan of Paush Purnima began on January 13, followed by Snan on Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and the last snan on February 26, Maha Shivaratri.

Several Akharas participated in the Maha Kumbh, including Niranjani Akhada, Ahwan Akhada, and Juna Akhada, the largest Akhada in the Sanyasi tradition. (ANI)