Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 began its most sacred ritual on Makar Sankranti, with Naga sadhus heading towards the Sangam for the first Amrit Snan. They will soon take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers. The atmosphere is filled with energy and enthusiasm as Akharas and ash smeared sadhus make their way from their Himalayas towards the sacred confluence. Before this, the sadhus of the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada and Anand Akhada performed their ritualistic holy dip.
#WATCH | #MahaKumbhMela2025| Naga sadhus proceed towards the Sangam Ghat for Amrit Snan on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. pic.twitter.com/OSDrDBgauu
— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025
Swami Chidambaranand, Mahamandaleshwar of Mahanirvan Akhara, sharing his experience said, “We experience a grandeur of Indian civilisation. Crores of people are seeing the pride of our culture. There is joy and excitement everywhere. People have forgotten about the cold and have been waiting since 2 am for a sight of the saints.”
He further added, “There are unbelievable scenes here. Those who create a caste divide and blame our religion should come here and see that in the crowd of crores, there are no Brahmins or Shudras, only Hindus and Hindu culture…”
Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj from Anand Akhara also expressed, “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… Our saints and shastras have always wanted for peace in the world. I bow down to our great seers and our religious texts, I bow down to our earth and Lord Shiva for giving us this day. Everyone should come here…”
Today, sadhus from 13 Akharas of Sanatan Dharma are taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. These 13 Akharas are divided into three main groups: Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnavite), and Udaseen. The Shaivite Akharas include prominent names such as Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, Shree Panchayati Akhara Niranjani, Shree Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, Shree Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhara, Shree Panchdashnam Aavahan Akhara, and Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhara Panchayti.
Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most important religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. The Maha Kumbh 2025, also known as Poorna Kumbh, will continue until February 26, 2025. The key ‘snan’ dates are as follows: 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), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
(with inputs from agencies)
