The ongoing Maha Kumbh, which takes place every 12 years, holds special significance this time due to rare celestial alignments happening after 144 years.
Prayagraj: Millions of pilgrims, including devotees, seers, and saints, gathered at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, which marks the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh. Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival, signifies the Sun’s transition from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere.
The ongoing Maha Kumbh, which takes place every 12 years, holds special significance this time due to rare celestial alignments happening after 144 years, according to religious leaders. What makes this event even more remarkable is the participation of 13 Akharas, the monastic orders of Hinduism, following a carefully organized schedule for the ritual bathing ceremonies.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government, as many as 35 crore devotees will visit Prayagraj during the biggest religious fair in the world. The Maha Kumbh was started on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri.
Meanwhile, the Sadhus of the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada also started their procession for the Amrit Snan.
According to the press release, Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara will be the first ones to take Amrit Snan.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara said that the seven Shaivite Akhads would take the holy dip first, which would be followed by the three Vaishnavite Akhadas.
“Among the akhadas, the seven Shaivite akhadas will come out first, then the three Vaishnavite akhadas and then the rest, but first the sanyasis come out together, their seven akhadas will come out first…” he said.
Maha Kumbh is one of the world’s largest and most significant religious gatherings, held every 12 years at one of four sacred locations in India.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, a Poorna Kumbh, will continue until February 26, 2025. Key ritual bathing (“snan”) dates 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
(with ANI inputs)
