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 2025 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is off to an auspicious start with the first 'Amrit Snan' being led by renowned spiritual leader, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya. As millions of pilgrims continue to gather for this sacred event, the seers claim that this year's Kumbh Mela is even more special as it aligns with cosmic and celestial events that occur once every 144 years. The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious gathering, but also a cultural and spiritual extravaganza with various rituals and activities planned throughout the festival.
Take a deeper dive into the world of Hindu monks and their role in managing the sacred Kumbh Mela event. Learn about the organisational structure of Akharas and their historical significance, as well as their influence over the Amrit Snan ritual. Discover how the Amrit Snan order has evolved over the centuries and the current power dynamic between the Akharas and the institutionalised process.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti in 2025, thousands of devotees across India braved the cold weather to gather at various holy sites on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna. From Kolkata's Babughat to Varanasi's Ganga ghats and Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri, devotees took holy dips and offered prayers, while in Prayagraj, the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced. This festival, marking the Sun's transition into Capricorn, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and faith in God, inspiring people to face the cold weather for a chance at spiritual merit.
In a show of unity and devotion, Naga Sadhus from Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara took the 'Amrit Snan' on Tuesday during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. This is a historic moment as the two akharas, known for their mutual rivalry, are coming together for the holy dip. The authorities are expecting a record number of devotees to participate in the ceremony, bringing together people from different walks of life. As per the schedule, the next to take the holy dip are Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara and Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand. The police have ramped up security measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful procession.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, the largest religious gathering in the world, officially began on Monday with millions of devotees gathering in Prayagraj for the first 'Amrit Snan' of the event. Among the many seers and sadhus taking part, foreign devotees also added to the colorful festivities by immersing themselves in the sacred tradition and singing bhajans. This year's Maha Kumbh is expected to bring over 40 crore people to Prayagraj, making it larger than the combined population of the US and Russia.