Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 27: Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accompanied by prominent saints from various Akharas, temples, and maths, took a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam on Monday, amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras. The leaders participated in the traditional ritual, receiving holy water from the River Ganga as part of the puja-archana, with guidance from the saint community.
After the holy dip, both leaders performed a special puja and took part in the Sangam Aarti, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the occasion. Amit Shah was joined by his family, including wife Sonal Shah, son Jai Shah, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters, marking the event as a significant family affair.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented a Kumbh Kalash to Home Minister Amit Shah, honoring the occasion with a gesture of tradition and respect. The saint community also welcomed Shah with garlands, sandalwood paste, and a tilak, adding to the sanctity of the ritual.
Both Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath, dressed in saffron attire, performed the holy dip at the Sangam, accompanied by key saints such as Juna Peethadheeshwar Avdheshanand, Niranjani Peethadheeshwar Kailashanand, Akhada Parishad President Ravindra Puri, and Baba Ramdev. Following the dip, the Home Minister offered ‘Arghya’ to the Sun, as the Tirtha purohits conducted a special puja for the leaders.
The grand Sangam Aarti that followed was marked by the chanting of Maa Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati’s names, creating a spiritually uplifting ambiance. Amit Shah’s family also participated in the rituals, and the youngest members of the Shah family were blessed by the saints. The leaders, amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” offered their devotion to Maa Ganga and Lord Bhaskar.
After their holy dip and prayers, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath proceeded with a visit to Akshay Vat, where Chief Minister Yogi presented a silver Kumbh Kalash to the Home Minister. The ritual was attended by several esteemed saints, including Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri of Juna Akhara, Peethadheeshwar Kailashanand of Niranjani Akhara, Baba Ramdev, and Akhada Parishad President Ravindra Puri, among others.
Earlier, both leaders arrived at the VIP Ghat in Arail, from where they boarded a cruise to the Sangam. Onboard, they paid homage to Maa Ganga, fed Siberian birds, and had a private discussion with saints about the arrangements for the Maha Kumbh.
During the ritual dip, Baba Ramdev and Satua Baba assisted CM Yogi Adityanath, and post-dip, Swami Ramdev guided him through a special yoga pose, ‘Tadasana.’
The ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj has seen an overwhelming turnout, with over 6 million pilgrims having taken the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers as of Monday noon. Since its start on January 13, the Mahakumbh has attracted over 130 million devotees, and is expected to host more than 45 crore visitors by its conclusion.
The event, rooted in Sanatan Dharma, celebrates the celestial alignment that marks an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing, devotion, and the pursuit of moksha (liberation). Major bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).