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Mr Nilesh Kulkarni, Special Correspondent, Prayagraj
Prayagraj – On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the first Amrit Snan of Sadhus and Saints took place at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. It seemed as though Deity Varun himself graced the event, as rain fell during the holy bath. Biting cold and in that divine showers, made crores of devotees from India and abroad feel spiritually fulfilled. Approximately 3 crore devotees participated in the first Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbha Mela.
Take a look at the Triveni Sangam 🕉️
🚩 The faithful take a plunge of devotion adhering to the customary rituals 🌞🪷#SanatanPrabhatAtKumbh #Pongal2025 #MahaKumbhMela2025 pic.twitter.com/DlxsCvpTSA
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 14, 2025
Today’s Amrit Snan commenced at 5:15 a.m. All 13 Akhadas organised grand processions from their respective locations, making a grand and divine entry to the Sangam Kshetra via designated routes. Thousands of Sadhus, Saints, and Mahants from each Akhada were present. The number of Naga Sadhus was significant in all the Akhadas. Initially, Sadhus and Saints from seven Sanyasi Akhadas – Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada, Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhada, Shri Panchayati Anand Akhada, Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Shri Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhada, and Shri Panch Agni Akhada – performed the Amrit Snan.
Next, Sadhus and Saints from three Bairagi Akhadas – Akhil Bharatiya Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhada, Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhada, and Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhada – took the holy dip. Finally, Sadhus and Saints from the three Udasin Akhadas – Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin Akhada, Shri Panchayati Bada Udasin Akhada, and Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhada – did the Amrit Snan. The first Akhada reached the Sangam Kshetra by 6:00 a.m. Initially, the Sadhus and Saints of the Akhada and then others took the bath.
On the other side, common devotees also joyfully immersed themselves in the Amrit Snan. People of all ages participated, cherishing the spiritual experience. Many devotees also performed Ganga Puja and Aarti during the event.
Yogi Government showers flowers on devotees from helicopters
The Yogi Adityanath-led Government in the State showered flowers on devotees from helicopters. Additionally, flowers were sprinkled across all ghats by the administration.
Highlights1. Devotees, along with Sadhus and Mahants, enthusiastically chanted slogans like “Bam Bam Bhole,” “Har Har Mahadev,” and “Jai Shriram.” 2. Naga Sadhus in the Akhada processions showcased their martial skills using weapons like swords, spears, and axes. 3. Many devotees began bathing as early as 3:00 AM. Some carried their elderly parents on their shoulders to partake in the Amrit Snan. 4. Devotees from countries including the US, Israel, and France also attended the Amrit Snan event. 5. Police ensured strict security in the Sangam Kshetra. 6. Initially, six out of seven pontoon bridges (used for crossing the river) were closed, but they were gradually opened as per the crowd’s needs. After the Amrit Snan, the Akhadas departed through 3 tiers of pantun bridges. |
Relatives’ outcry for missing family members; Police remain indifferent
The Police set up a single announcement centre to help locate missing persons, causing inconvenience to devotees. Relatives could be heard crying out for their loved ones through loudspeakers. However, the Police only seemed to fulfil their duty by providing the announcement facility, with no additional support. Relatives made announcements calling for the missing individuals to gather near “Bridge No. 1.” Unfortunately, most people were unaware of its location, leading to further confusion. Devotees expressed anger over this disorganisation.