1 crore devotees take holy dip at Maha Kumbh Mela as ‘Amrit Snan’ begins at Sangam
One crore devotees at the Maha Kumbh Mela took the ‘Amrit Snan’ by 8.30 am Tuesday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, according to the government, after the ritual began early in the morning with Naga Sadhus of Panchayat Nirvani Akhara taking the holy dip at the Sangam followed by seers of other akharas.
Braving the cold, millions of pilgrims from India and abroad arrived at the Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati – for the Amrit Snan. At Brahma Muhurta (period just before sunrise), countless devotees immersed themselves in the holy waters.
The Naga Sadhus of Panchayat Nirvani Akhara performed the Amrit Snan in royal form, adorned with spears, tridents, and swords. Riding horses and chariots, sadhus and saints led a grand procession.
From early morning, devotees thronged the Nagvasuki temple and Sangam area in Prayagraj. Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” echoed across the 12-km stretch of the bathing ghats.
Barricades were placed on all roads, and vehicles underwent thorough checks. Security forces led by DIG (Kumbh Mela) Vaibhav Krishna and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi marched on foot in the fair area, accompanied by horses, clearing the way for the Akhara Sadhus heading for the Amrit Snan.
