Prayagraj, Jan 14 (UNI) Around 3.5 crore pilgrims took a holy dip on the first Amrit Snan by the Akaharas on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti' during the world's biggest congregation Maha Kumbh on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj on Tuesday.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the saints and devotees who took a holy dip in Sangam on Makar Sankranti.
Taking to X, he wrote, "Hearty congratulations to all the revered saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees who took a holy dip of faith in the holy Sangam on the auspicious occasion of the holy 'Makar Sankranti' in the grand gathering of faith, equality and unity 'Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj'!"
He said, "On the first Amrit Snan festival today, more than 3.50 crore revered saints/devotees earned the holy benefit of bathing in the uninterrupted-pure Triveni. On the successful completion of the first Amrit Snan festival, heartfelt thanks to all the revered Akharas based on Sanatan Dharma, Maha Kumbh Mela administration, local administration, police administration, sanitation workers, voluntary organisations, and religious institutions, boatmen and all the departments of the Central and State Government associated with Maha Kumbh and congratulations to the people of the state!"
Despite the biting cold, it seemed as if a flood of faith had surged on the banks of Sangam. Even before the first ray of light emerged in the bone-chilling cold, crores of devotees took a dip. The sounds of Har Har Mahadev and Jai Shri Ram were heard in the 12-kilometre-long ghat area.
To make the day special the Uttar Pradesh government organised a grand flower shower from helicopters, draping crores of devotees at the Sangam bank in rose petals. Flowers were showered on all the ghats and Akharas, adding to the sanctity of the occasion.
The sight of rose petals raining down overwhelmed the devotees, who responded with heartfelt chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Har Har Mahadev'. According to the estimate, the number of devotees is expected to surge further as the day sets in.
The Prayagraj Sangam turned into the epicentre of social and national unity on the occasion of the Makar Sankranti festival with crowds of devotees, accompanying the Akharas, chanting patriotic slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' and pilgrims carrying the tricolor.
The Maha Kumbh saw a remarkable confluence of faith and unity at the Sangam, where people from across the country and the world gathered to take the holy dip. Chanting Jai Shri Ram, Har Har Gange, and Bam Bam Bhole, devotees from around the world united for the first Amrit Snan, showcasing a remarkable display of cultural unity beyond borders on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
The first Amrit Snan witnessed an overwhelming spirit of unity, as people from diverse backgrounds, both Indian and foreign alike, participated in this sacred ritual. Foreign visitors, moved by the eternal culture of India, arrived with their families to bathe in the holy Ganga, their hearts brimming with reverence.
On this historic day, the banks of the Sangam were packed to capacity, swarming with devotees. People from across India, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and foreign citizens, all immersed in the holy waters of the Ganga.
The primary focus of the devotees was the Sangam Nose, where saints and spiritual leaders from various Akharas also performed their ritual baths. The meticulous planning and execution allowed saints and devotees to share the sacred experience of the Amrit Snan harmoniously, highlighting the exceptional arrangements made for this grand spiritual event.
The Maha Kumbh Mela administration had already finalised the sequence of Amrit Snan for the 13 Akharas of Sanatan Dharma, ensuring adherence to traditional customs. Each Akhara was notified of its designated time and sequence.
Mahant Acharya Devendra Singh Shastri, Secretary of Shri Panchayati Akhara Nirmal said that all Akharas dates, sequences, and timings have been communicated in advance. The administration remains committed to ensuring that this sacred tradition is conducted smoothly and with full reverence.
As per tradition, the Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh began with the first Akhara, Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, accompanied by Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara. The Akhara departed from the camp at 5.15 AM and reached the ghat at 6.15 AM. The bathing time was after which it left for the ghat at 6.55 AM and reached the camp at 7.55 AM.
After Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara and Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand took Amrit Snan. Subsequently, three Sanyasi Akharas, including Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, Shri Panchdashnam Aawahan Akhara, and Shri Panchagni Akhara took holy dip.
Among the three Bairagi Akharas, first of all, All India Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara All India Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara, and All India Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara took bath in the afternoon.
During Amrit Snan Naga sadhus showcased the captivating display of spiritual fervour and martial artistry, mesmerising pilgrims at Triveni bank. Leading most of the Akharas during the Amrit Snan, the Naga sadhus mesmerised onlookers with their discipline and mastery of traditional weapons.
From skillfully wielding spears and swords to energetically playing the Damru, their demonstrations were a vibrant celebration of age-old traditions. Stunts with sticks and other martial feats added to their spirited display, leaving the devotees enthralled.
In the grand Shobha Yatra of the Akharas leading up to the Amrit Snan, some Naga Sadhus rode majestically on horses while others walked on foot, adorned in their distinctive attire and ornaments.
With flowers in their matted hair, garlands around their necks, and Trishul (trident) held high, they added to the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh. Though known for their self-discipline and unwavering spirit, the sadhus moved forward in perfect order, following the directives of their Akhara leaders.
The Kinnar Akhara, led by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, became a major highlight. In the afternoon, the Akahara members took the holy dip at Sangam Nose, praying for the welfare and progress of society while celebrating Makar Sankranti.
Members of the Kinnar Akhara made their way to the Sangam, chanting Har Har Mahadev with fervour. Acharya Mahamandaleshwar walked at the center, sheltered under an umbrella, accompanied by other Mahamandaleshwars of the Akhara.
During this procession, the sadhus of the Kinnar Akhara showcased their traditional weapons. Brandishing swords and chanting slogans, marked the beginning of the Amrit Snan with great enthusiasm.
This year, Maha Kumbh is not just grand and divine, but also new as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has for the first time broken away from Mughal-era traditions by renaming several key rituals, including the 'Shahi Snan', aligning them with 'Sanatan' values.
This step has garnered widespread appreciation across the Maha Kumbh, with both saints and devotees applauding the CM's initiative. Many have described him as the 'flag bearer of Sanatan culture'.
After performing the 'Amrit Snan' Mahant Swami Dilip Das Tyagi Ji Maharaj of Shri Ram Vaidehi Temple, Ayodhya, praised CM Yogi for reviving India’s cultural heritage. "Mahakumbh has given a renewed identity to Sanatan culture by discarding terms rooted in colonial influence. This year’s divine and grand experience of 'Amrit Snan' is truly historic," he said.
He emphasised that replacing terms like 'Shahi Snan' and 'Peshwai' with 'Amrit Snan' and 'Chhawni Pravesh' is a powerful step toward strengthening Sanatan values. The Maha Kumbh, with these changes, is now presenting the richness of Indian culture and traditions on a global platform.
Maha Kumbh has brought significant cultural and traditional transformations, further enhanced by the rare alignment of 'Pushya Nakshatra' after 144 years, making the event even more extraordinary. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri highlighted that for the first time, Urdu words have been replaced with Hindi and 'Sanatani' terms in the Maha Kumbh.
He said, "A proposal was presented to CM Yogi, who readily accepted it. Now, terms like 'Shahi Snan' and 'Peshwai' have been replaced with 'Amrit Snan' and 'Chhawani Pravesh', marking a significant shift in cultural representation."
CM Yogi has been closely monitoring the event from Gorakhpur, ensuring every aspect of the arrangements is meticulously managed. On his directives, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, along with the other senior officials, are maintaining a constant vigil over the arrangements at the fair.
The authorities have been actively engaging with devotees, saints, and Kalpvasis, ensuring smooth operations and addressing concerns with efficiency. Devotees have widely praised the administration and police for their promptness, effective crowd management, and well-coordinated arrangements during the Maha Kumbh.
UNI AB BD