Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 14: On the occasion of the first ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh 2025, the Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, led by Mahamandaleshwar Jayambanandgiri, carried out a grand procession in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to take a holy dip at the confluence (Sangam) of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
“I feel immense joy witnessing the Maha Kumbh. We have sought blessings from the saints and seers who have gathered here. Today, we are here to take a dip in the Ganga. Devotees and seers have come together for this grand occasion,” shared a woman devotee who was part of the procession.
“Today marks the first ‘Shahi Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh, due to Makar Sankranti. Devotees can be seen at every ghat, bathing in the holy river. Those who have not yet visited the Kumbh should come to take a dip at the Sangam and pay respects to their ancestors,” another woman devotee added.
Meanwhile, Naga Sadhus from the Avahan Akhara were also seen leading a procession for the first ‘Shahi Snan’ at Triveni Sangam.
As of Tuesday, around 20 million devotees had taken a holy dip in the Sangam during the first ‘Amrit Snan,’ Uttar Pradesh’s Principal Secretary of Urban Development, Amrit Abhijat, told ANI. “By evening, we expect more than 2.5 crore people will have bathed in the Sangam,” he added.
Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar mentioned that the police were closely monitoring the situation. “Since today is the day when many Sadhus from various Akharas take a dip, it is called ‘Amrit Snan.’ As of 12 PM, approximately 1.6 crore people had already bathed. Our officers and jawans are on duty to ensure everything remains under control,” Kumar said. He also noted that thermal imaging had helped control the crowd during the night, and police vehicles and ambulances were stationed to assist devotees.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also congratulated all the devotees who participated in the first ‘Amrit Snan.’ On X, CM Yogi described the event as a living testament to India’s eternal culture and faith. “This sacred occasion marks the essence of our eternal culture and faith. Congratulations to all the devotees who participated in the first ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Triveni Sangam during the Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj,” he posted.
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara remarked, “Yaksha, Gandharva, and Kinnars all took part in today’s holy dip.” He also prayed for the well-being of Bharat and emphasized the spiritual significance of the occasion. “Today marks the start of the Hindu month of Magha, when devotees perform ‘anushthan’ (rituals) and partake in ‘snan’ (bathing) at the Kumbh,” he explained.
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. Other significant bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
The Maha Kumbh, celebrated once every 12 years, is expected to attract over 450 million devotees.