Devotees gathered at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Tuesday to take a holy dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, marking the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh 2025.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a prominent Hindu festival celebrating the Sun’s transition from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. The festival is observed with prayers, rituals, and gratitude toward Lord Surya (Sun).
Devotees Praise Arrangements
Alka Dadwal, a devotee from Mumbai, expressed her delight at being part of the celebrations, saying:
“There is diversity in unity… people from all over the country have come to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela. I feel really good that I have come here. I also got the occasion to celebrate Makar Sankranti.”
She also lauded the arrangements made by the government, adding:
“The government has made really good arrangements here. The police are helping everyone. I wholeheartedly want to thank the Yogi government for providing excellent services to the people.”
Another devotee appreciated the cleanliness and crowd management at the venue, stating:
“I thank the administration… despite the huge crowd, the management has made sure that there is cleanliness and no one faces any issue.”
Procession by Sadhus
The Sadhus of the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada began their procession for the Amrit Snan, with Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara being the first to take the holy dip.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara explained the sequence:
“Among the akhadas, the seven Shaivite akhadas will come out first, then the three Vaishnavite akhadas, and then the rest. First, the sanyasis come out together.”
Maha Kumbh 2025 Schedule
The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest religious congregations in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. The Maha Kumbh 2025, a Poorna Kumbh, will run until February 26, 2025.
Key Snan Dates:
- 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
This grand event continues to draw millions of devotees from across the globe, celebrating spirituality, unity, and devotion.