2 Cr People Take Dip On Basant Panchami’s Amrit Snanin Maha Kumbh

Mumbai: The third ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh proceeded smoothly in a grand display of faith and devotion, with an estimated two crore devotees taking the holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, according to figures released by the Uttar Pradesh government. The third and final ‘Shahi Snan’ coincided with the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, drawing thousands of Akharas and Naga Sadhus in vibrant processions to Triveni for the ritual bath.
Enhanced Security Measures Following Mauni Amavasya Incident
The Uttar Pradesh government heightened security measures to ensure a safe and orderly event, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directing officials to adopt a ‘zero-error’ approach in light of the tragic stampede that occurred at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya (January 29).
Speaking to ANI, UP Minister AK Sharma stated, “On the occasion of Basant Panchami, close to four crore people have taken a dip here since yesterday. We are continuously monitoring the situation, and I have been present to inspect the arrangements since Mauni Amavasya. Once again, I invite everyone to visit, as only a few days of the Maha Kumbh remain. This is the Maha Kumbh of modern and digital India.”
Chief Minister Adityanath closely monitored the situation from his official residence in Lucknow from 3:30 am onwards. Additional security forces were deployed at critical pressure points for effective crowd management. “Everything is running smoothly today,” confirmed DIG (Maha Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna during a pre-dawn patrol of the Mela area. Senior officers, including the DIG, later assessed the crowd control measures on horseback, ensuring all safety protocols were in place. By 4 pm, the government reported that over 1.98 crore devotees had already taken a dip, with an expected footfall of five crore pilgrims by the end of the day.
Traditional Akhara Processions Mark Sacred Ritual
As per tradition, Akharas from three major sects—Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen—participated in the sacred bathing ritual in a pre-determined sequence. According to the official Maha Kumbh schedule, the Amrit Snan (previously ‘Shahi Snan’) commenced at 4 am, beginning with the Sanyasi sect. Leading the grand processions were Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, Taponidhi Panchayati Niranjani Akhara, Panchayati Akhara Anand, Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, Panchdashnam Avahan Akhara, and Panchagni Akhara. Each Akhara was allocated a 40-minute time slot, with the first group completing the ritual and returning to their camps by 8:30 am.
Widespread Participation and Government Acknowledgment
The Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26. The event has already drawn millions of devotees from across India and the world, setting new benchmarks in attendance and participation.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Chief Minister Adityanath congratulated all participants, stating, “Greetings to all saints, Akharas, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have taken the holy dip.” Devotees expressed their happiness and spiritual fulfillment as they performed the sacred ritual, reaffirming the Maha Kumbh’s significance as a global spiritual and cultural event.
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