On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, millions of devotees flocked to Prayagraj's Sangam to take part in the first 'amrit snan' (holy dip) of the Mahakumbh Mela. As the weather turned cold, authorities prepared bonfires and night shelters for the pilgrims. Amidst the serene rituals and Vedic chants, the Naga Sadhus dazzled onlookers with their skills and displays of traditional weapons. Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has set up a War Room to ensure the smooth running of train services for the 35 crore pilgrims expected to attend the mega festival.
The Mahakumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, is celebrated every 12 years at one of four sacred sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The festival attracts tens of millions of devotees who come to bathe in the holy rivers, known as "amrit snan," to cleanse their sins and attain salvation.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti in 2023, millions of devotees flocked to Prayagraj's Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take part in the first amrit snan of the Mahakumbh Mela. Devotees braved the cold weather, with authorities preparing bonfires and night shelters for their comfort.
Background:
The Mahakumbh Mela has been celebrated for centuries, with its origins traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to legend, Lord Vishnu dropped nectar (amrit) at the Sangam during a battle between the gods and demons. Devotees believe that bathing in the holy waters during the Mahakumbh Mela grants them the power to overcome sin and attain liberation.
Rituals and Events:
The Mahakumbh Mela is characterized by a variety of rituals and events. Devotees take part in the amrit snan, which involves dipping themselves fully in the holy rivers. The Naga Sadhus, known for their extreme ascetic practices, perform elaborate rituals and demonstrate their skills in traditional weapons. The mela also includes kirtans (religious songs), discourses by saints, and cultural performances.
1. When and where is the next Mahakumbh Mela? The next Mahakumbh Mela will be held in Haridwar in 2025.
2. How many pilgrims are expected to attend the Mahakumbh Mela? Approximately 35 crore pilgrims are expected to attend the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela in Haridwar.
3. What are the most important dates for amrit snan? The most important dates for amrit snan during the Mahakumbh Mela are Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Mauni Amavasya, and Maha Shivaratri.
4. What are the precautions pilgrims should take when attending the Mahakumbh Mela? Pilgrims should take precautions against the cold weather, dehydration, and large crowds. They should also be aware of their surroundings and be cautious of pickpockets.
5. How can I book a train to the Mahakumbh Mela? The Indian Railways offers special trains and facilities for pilgrims traveling to the Mahakumbh Mela. Reservations can be made online or at railway stations.
American actor Val Kilmer, known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter confirmed that Kilmer had been battling pneumonia and had previously overcome throat cancer. Kilmer's portrayal of Iceman in Top Gun and his performance as Batman in Batman Forever will always be remembered by his fans.
Val Kilmer, the beloved actor best known for his roles in popular movies of the 80s and 90s, has passed away at the age of 65 after battling with pneumonia. Throughout his career, he appeared in iconic films such as Top Gun, where he played fighter pilot Iceman, and Batman Forever, where he portrayed the caped crusader's arch-nemesis. Despite health challenges affecting his voice and limiting his acting opportunities, Kilmer returned to the big screen in 2022 for the highly anticipated sequel to Top Gun. His passing has been met with an outpouring of love and nostalgia from fellow actors and fans alike.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to greet the nation on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess. In addition to his warm wishes, PM Modi shared a devotional song titled 'Amba Stavam by 9 Ambas', sung by nine girls, and dedicated to the various forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also joined in the celebrations, posting Sanskrit shlokas and prayers on his own social media handle.
After a battle with throat cancer, Val Kilmer makes a triumphant return to the big screen in the highly anticipated Top Gun sequel. Thanks to the use of AI, Kilmer's iconic voice was brought back to life, adding an emotional layer to his reprisal of the role of Iceman. Tom Cruise, who pushed for Kilmer's return, became emotional while filming their scene together and praised the actor's powerful performance. Despite his health struggles, Kilmer's return to the film was a testament to his enduring talent and the strong bond between him and Cruise.
Upasna Singh, known for her role as Pinky bua on The Kapil Sharma Show, has filed a civil lawsuit against Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu for not fulfilling an agreement to promote a Punjabi movie produced by her. Singh claims that Sandhu, who starred in her play "Bai ji Kuttange," was contractually obligated to participate in the film's marketing but has refused to do so. Sandhu has yet to respond to the accusations. Singh also revealed that the film's release had to be postponed due to these issues.
Hollywood legend Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a diverse and impactful career spanning four decades. Known for his iconic roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, Kilmer's final film role was a reprisal of his character Iceman in the highly anticipated sequel Top Gun: Maverick. Despite personal battles with cancer and challenging relationships in the industry, Kilmer's talent and versatility shone through in his performances, and his legacy will continue to live on through his many contributions to the world of entertainment.
Hollywood was in shock on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as the charismatic Val Kilmer breathed his last. Kilmer, who had captured hearts and minds with his mesmerizing performances in films like Batman Forever, Top Gun and Tombstone, had been battling pneumonia before his untimely demise. The legendary actor's daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news to The New York Times. Let's honor and celebrate the life of this incredible personality who has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
Steph Curry dazzled fans and stunned the Grizzlies with a record-breaking performance on Tuesday, leading the Warriors to a critical victory and solidifying their spot in the Western Conference standings. Despite facing intense defensive pressure, Curry scored an unfathomable 52 points, including 12 three-pointers. Coach Steve Kerr praised the 37-year-old's incredible performance, while the Grizzlies were left scrambling for a new game plan to contain Curry in future matchups.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of the iconic actor Val Kilmer, who passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles due to pneumonia. His daughter confirmed the news and also revealed that he had been battling throat cancer since 2014. Despite his health struggles, Val continued to work and even released a 2021 documentary about his life titled Val. Fans and celebrities have been paying tribute to the talented actor on social media, remembering him as a "movie icon" and "eccentric original".
After months of speculation and anticipation, the much-anticipated title and release date for the upcoming Spider-Man film, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, has finally been announced at CinemaCon by director Destin Daniel Cretton. Titled ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, the fourth installment of the beloved franchise is set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. Even though Tom Holland couldn’t attend the event due to his filming commitments, he expressed his excitement through a video message, leaving fans even more thrilled after the massive cliff hanger from the previous film. Social media has been buzzing with reactions from fans all over.