On Tuesday, many devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip for Makar Sankranti, marking the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Mahakumbh. After more than 1 crore people took a dip the previous day, even bigger crowds are expected on January 14 for this special event. Early in the morning, seers and Naga Sadhus arrived at the sacred Sangam to join the holy ritual.
Makar Sankranti Marks a Celestial Shift
Makar Sankranti celebrates the Sun’s movement from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. This transition is seen as an auspicious time for purification and spiritual renewal.
Devotees Praise the Experience
Alka Dadwal, a devotee from Mumbai, shared her joy. “There is diversity in unity… people from all over the country have come to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela. I feel really good that I have come here. I also got the occasion to celebrate Makar Sankranti,” she told ANI.
She also appreciated the arrangements. “The government has made really good arrangements here. The police are helping everyone. I wholeheartedly want to thank the Yogi government for providing excellent services to the people,” she added.
Another devotee praised the cleanliness. “I thank the administration… despite the huge crowd, the management has made sure that there is cleanliness and no one faces any issue,” the devotee said.
Akhadas Begin Procession for Amrit Snan
The Sadhus of the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada started their Amrit Snan procession. Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first to take the holy dip.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara explained the sequence. “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,” he said.
Maha Kumbh: A Grand Gathering
Maha Kumbh is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Held every 12 years at one of four sacred sites in India, the event brings millions of people together.
Important Dates for Maha Kumbh 2025
The Poorna Kumbh will continue until February 26, 2025. Key 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
The event showcases India’s cultural unity and spiritual traditions, leaving devotees with a sense of joy and devotion.