Religious flags of all three Ani Akhadas hoisted

Prayagraj Kumbha Mela 2025

Prayagraj (UP) – The religious flags of the three Ani Akhadas associated with the Vaishnav tradition – Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhada, Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhada, and Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhada – were raised on 28thJanuary, between 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m, at their respective akhadas. During this time, the Mahamandaleshwars, Shri Mahants, Mahants, and many Saints and Seers were present. Lord Hanuman is the presiding Deity of all the three akhadas.

The ceremony began with the flag raising of the Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhada. During this event, the chanting of Vedic mantras was done, and the idol of Deity Hanuman was established, worshipped, and invoked. Following this, the flag-raising ceremony was conducted in a similar manner at the Shri Panch Nirvani and then the Shri Panch Nirmohi Akhadas. A grand flagpole was erected at each of these akhadas, where their respective flags were raised.On this occasion, Shri Mahant Ramkrishna Shastri Maharaj, Mahamantri Shri Vaishnavdasji Maharaj of the Digambar Akhada, Shri Mahant Rajendradasji Maharaj of the Nirmohi Akhada, Shri Mahant of the Nirvani Akhada, along with mela officials, the Police Commissioner, and others were present. According to the akhadas, the raising of the flags marks the true beginning of the Kumbh Mela.