Days after stampede, seers laud arrangements for 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami

Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 3 (PTI):
A massive crowd of devotees thronged the sacred Triveni Sangam on Monday for the third Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh on Basant Panchami, with the Akharas leading grand ceremonial baths. This auspicious dip gained added significance as it followed the January 29 (Mauni Amavasya) stampede that claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 injured.

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Tightened Security after Stampede​

Shaken by the tragic incident, the Uttar Pradesh government ramped up its crowd management, safety protocols, medical services, and transport arrangements. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, himself a monk, directed officials to ensure a “zero-error” Amrit Snan for Basant Panchami.

By 8 am on Monday, official estimates recorded over 62 lakh devotees taking the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati.

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Seers Praise Arrangements and Chief Minister​

As the Amrit Snan proceeded without incident, seers expressed gratitude for the improved management:

“On this holy festival of Basant Panchami, the world turns its gaze toward India, drawn by our rich spiritual values and social harmony. India’s global influence continues to rise through Yoga and Ayurveda, reflecting our ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’ Let us also pledge to plant more trees and reduce plastic use for a sustainable future,”
— Juna Akhara Peethadheeshwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj

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“On this sacred Basant Panchami, Sanatanis worship Maa Saraswati as Akharas take the holy dip. Only a leader who truly understands religion can honor such traditions—and no one embodies this better than Yogi Ji,”
— Acharya Mahamandaleshwar and Niranjan Peethadheeshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara

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“Adityanath ensured grand spiritual arrangements for the Amrit Snan, supported fully by the government,”
— Acharya Swami Balakanand Giri Ji of Anand Akhara

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Call for Unity and Responsible Participation​

Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, announced that seers would head to Varanasi after the bathing ritual. He urged devotees to avoid visiting the Sangam Ghat unless absolutely necessary, emphasizing the time-bound nature of their allotted 40-minute slot.

“The Kumbh Mela’s purpose is to promote global peace and unity. People from all castes and religions come together here, embodying the spirit of unity, prosperity, and brotherhood,”
— Atal Peethadheeshwar Swami Vishwatmanand Saraswati

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Mahanirvani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Vishweshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj added that the Basant Panchami bath provided a unique opportunity to pray for the welfare of the entire world.

“People from all walks of life have gathered here. The arrangements made by the administration are excellent,”
— Mahanirvani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Vishweshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj

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