Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Over 13.8 million devotees have taken the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam by 10:30 am on Tuesday during the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of Maha Kumbh 2025, according to official reports.
A spectacular flower shower is scheduled between 10:30 and 11 am, as a helicopter takes off from Prayagraj Airport to honor all the Akharas participating in this grand event. Officials noted that over 1.5 crore pilgrims had already taken a dip on the first day of this massive religious congregation.
CM Yogi Adityanath Extends Greetings
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the devotees in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), describing the sacred event as a testament to India’s enduring culture and faith.
“This is the living form of our eternal culture and faith. Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of folk faith ‘Makar Sankranti’, congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!” wrote the CM.
Earlier, he also conveyed his greetings on Makar Sankranti, emphasizing the festival’s importance as an expression of gratitude to the Sun God.
A Global and Spiritual Experience
Sadhus from the 13 Akharas of Sanatan Dharma are taking turns performing the holy ritual at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers.
A foreign devotee, attending her third Kumbh Mela, described the event as transformative:
“I can’t even explain it in words. This is my third Kumbh. I went to Haridwar in 2010, Prayagraj in 2013, and now here again. Amidst all the craziness, there’s something unchanging and deeply spiritual… The crowd management by police personnel is commendable. Here, you just learn to go with the flow.”
Reflections from Saints
Swami Chidambaranand, Mahamandaleshwar of Mahanirvani Akhara, highlighted the cultural significance of the Kumbh:
“We experience the grandeur of Indian civilisation. Crores of people are seeing the pride of our culture. There is joy and excitement everywhere. People have forgotten about the cold and have been waiting since 2 am for a sight of the saints.”
He further remarked on the unity observed during the Kumbh:
“Those who create caste divides and blame our religion should come here and see that in the crowd of crores, there are no Brahmins or Shudras, only Hindus and Hindu culture.”
Another foreign devotee noted, “Maha Kumbh is an occasion for the entire world, not just India.”
A Sacred Journey
The Maha Kumbh 2025, a global religious spectacle held every 12 years, will continue until February 26, 2025. Key ritual dates include:
- January 14: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)
- January 29: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
- February 3: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
- February 12: Maghi Purnima
- February 26: Maha Shivaratri