Two crore take 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami without hitch at Maha Kumbh

Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 3 (PTI): The third ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh proceeded seamlessly on Monday, with millions of devotees immersing themselves in the sacred waters of the Sangam on the occasion of Basant Panchami. The grand processions of the akharas, which were curtailed last week following a tragic stampede, resumed as per tradition.

By 4 PM, approximately two crore devotees had completed their ritual dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, according to figures provided by the Uttar Pradesh government. The administration anticipated a total footfall of around five crore pilgrims throughout the day.

Enhanced Security After Stampede Tragedy​

The state government implemented rigorous safety measures following the January 29 stampede on Mauni Amavasya, which claimed at least 30 lives. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to enforce a ‘zero-error’ approach to crowd management.

Unlike the Mauni Amavasya snan, where overwhelming crowd pressure built up at the Sangam, devotees this time spread out across different ghats, exhibiting caution and self-awareness amid heightened security arrangements.

Chief Minister Adityanath closely monitored the proceedings from his official residence in Lucknow since 3:30 AM, officials said.

Strict Crowd Management Ensures Smooth Processions​

DIG (Maha Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna, while patrolling the Mela grounds before dawn, stated that additional forces had been deployed at all pressure points.

"Everything is running smoothly today," he assured, emphasizing that the mistakes from January 29 had been addressed. Later in the day, he, along with other senior officers, conducted inspections on horseback to assess the situation.

"Our crowd management has been effective today, as is evident. No untoward incidents have been reported so far. Additional deployments have been made at high-pressure zones, ensuring the Amrit Snan progresses smoothly," Krishna said.

Sacred Processions of Akharas Mark Ritual Bathing​

At daybreak, seers from various akharas, including the ash-smeared Naga sadhus, embarked on their ceremonial journey towards the Triveni Sangam. By 3 PM, almost all akharas had completed their ritual bath and returned to their camps. In a grand gesture, helicopters showered rose petals upon the saints and devotees at the sacred site.

Juna Akhara Peethadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj remarked, "The world is looking at India, admiring our spiritual values and social harmony."

The akharas followed a predetermined bathing sequence, beginning at 4 AM with those from the Sanyasi sect.

Akhara Procession Timelines:​

• Sanyasi Sect (4:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
  
  • Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani
  • Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara
  • Taponidhi Panchayati Niranjani Akhara
  • Panchayati Akhara Anand
  • Panchdashnam Juna Akhara
  • Panchdashnam Avahan Akhara
  • Panchagni Akhara
• Bairagi Sect (8:25 AM - 12:35 PM)
  
  • All India Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara
  • All India Panch Digamber Ani Akhara
  • All India Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara
• Udaseen Sect (Post 12:35 PM)
  
  • Panchayati Naya Udaseen Akhara
  • Panchayati Akhara Bada Udaseen Nirvana
  • Panchayati Nirmal Akhara (Final to undertake the Snan)

The processions were led by mahants and mahamandaleshwars, riding ornately decorated chariots, carrying their Isht Dev (cherished deity) in palanquins. Naga sadhus, covered in ash and garlands, marched alongside saffron-clad seers adorned with traditional ornaments, carrying religious insignias as they made their way to the Sangam.

Devotees Share Their Divine Experiences​

Chief Minister Adityanath extended his greetings to all participants of the Amrit Snan through a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
"Greetings to all saints, akharas, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have taken the holy dip."

Pilgrims from around the world expressed joy and spiritual fulfillment after taking part in the Maha Kumbh.

• Sarthak from Delhi shared, "I feel spiritually rejuvenated. My mind is at peace after the holy dip."
• Niranjan Mishra from Nepal praised the arrangements and police assistance.
• Shyam Prakash, another devotee, marveled at the akhara processions, calling them "incredible."
• Crystal from Belgium, participating in the walk with Naga sadhus, expressed, "I feel very happy to be here. It’s a special and divine experience."
• Meenakshi Giri from Mahanirvani Akhara, originally from Russia, stated, "This is a sacred moment for me. I have been following Sanatan Dharma for 17 years."

Rare ‘Triveni Yog’ Marks This Year’s Maha Kumbh​

Held once every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh 2025 is believed to be particularly auspicious due to the rare celestial alignment known as ‘Triveni Yog’, which occurs once in 144 years.

So far, the highest single-day turnout was recorded on Mauni Amavasya (January 29), when eight crore devotees bathed at the Sangam. Other key bathing dates witnessed:

• Makar Sankranti (January 14): 3.5 crore pilgrims
• January 30 & February 1: Over two crore pilgrims
• Paush Purnima (January 13): 1.7 crore pilgrims

Upcoming Holy Baths Before Maha Kumbh Conclusion​

While Monday’s Amrit Snan was the last of the three major ritual baths, two more special bathing dates remain before the Maha Kumbh concludes on February 26:

• February 12 - Maghi Purnima
• February 26 - Mahashivratri

The Maha Kumbh, recognized as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, continues to witness an unprecedented spiritual fervor as millions seek divine blessings in the sacred waters of the Sangam.