Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 29: On Mauni Amavasya, over 57.1 million devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, as per an official statement from the Uttar Pradesh Information Department. The ongoing Magh Mela has witnessed an overwhelming display of faith, with millions gathering to mark the auspicious day of spiritual purification and devotion.
The number of Kalpwasis, those observing month-long spiritual austerities, has surpassed 1 million, contributing to the fervent atmosphere. With today’s participation, the total footfall for the ongoing event has exceeded 199.4 million.
Earlier in the day, Akhara members gathered in smaller groups at the Triveni Sangam for their ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya. Speaking to ANI, Digambar Naga Baba Chidanand Puri of the Panchayati Niranjani Akhara said that following a stampede-like situation earlier in the day, people from the Niranjani Akhara were now coming in smaller groups to take the holy dip.
“We couldn’t carry out our Shobha Yatra today due to the unexpected incident, so now we are coming in smaller numbers for the holy dip,” said Baba Chidanand.
This followed a stampede-like incident at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj early Wednesday, which resulted in several injuries. Millions of devotees had gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers for the auspicious Mauni Amavasya, which coincided with the Second Shahi Snan.
In response to the incident, heavy security was deployed at Triveni Sangam, with police assisting Akharas and saints as they made their way for the Amrit Snan. By 10 AM on Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh government reported that 36.1 million devotees had taken the holy dip at Triveni.
Other key bathing dates for the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).