The much-awaited first Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 took place on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, as Sadhus from the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada took a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati river.
The Maha Kumbh Mela has begun, and Sadhus from the 13 Akhadas of Sanatan Dharma will take turns to immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam. These 13 akhadas are divided into three main groups: Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav), and Udaseen.
Among the Shaivite akhadas, the key participants include:
- Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada
- Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani
- Shree Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada
- Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani
- Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhada
- Shree Panchdashnam Aavahan Akhada
- Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhada Panchayti
As the Amrit Snan began, Naga Baba Pramod Giri of the Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara expressed joy over the Shahi Snan, saying, “It’s a matter of happiness for us that Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara and Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada are going together to have Shahi (Amrit) Snan. It has been a tradition that Naga Sadhus are kept ahead…”
In addition to the religious activities, Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj from Anand Akhara shared his thoughts, emphasizing the sanctity of the event. “Nothing is bigger than this (Mahakumbh). Those who are able to come here are extremely fortunate… Wherever we see people are fighting among themselves. Here it’s peaceful. Merely being present here and watching everything unfold brings joy and peace.”
Mahamandleshwar Swami Gyan Puri of Mahanirvana Akhara reflected on the spiritual atmosphere, saying, “It’s a huge crowd, but it’s amazing how everything flows. Everyone finds a place for a holy dip. I think it is only possible to see this here.”
On the first Amrit Snan day, SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi confirmed the tight security arrangements: “All Akharas are proceeding for ‘Amrit Snan’. The police personnel are deployed on the Akhara route leading to the ‘snan’ area. Police, PAC, horse-mounted police, and Paramilitary force are accompanying the Akharas.”
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will continue until February 26, 2025. Important dates for ‘snan’ 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