The first ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious congregation, is set to take place today, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
This holy dip, believed to cleanse devotees of sins and pave the path to salvation, marks a key event in the month-long religious gathering at Prayagraj. The current edition of the Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, is said to be uniquely significant due to celestial alignments occurring after 144 years, as claimed by religious leaders.
Adding to its prominence, the event will witness the participation of 13 Akharas, or monastic orders of Hinduism, who will adhere to a meticulously planned schedule for the ritual bath.
The Uttar Pradesh government has estimated that 35 crore devotees will visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the event as a celebration of India’s ancient cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Maha Kumbh administration has issued a detailed schedule for the amrit snan, specifying the date, time, and sequence for each Akhara’s participation, news agency PTI reported.
Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara will lead the ritual, departing their camp at 5:15 am and reaching the ghat by 6:15 am. They will have 40 minutes for the holy dip before returning to their camp by 7:55 am.
The sequence will continue throughout the day, with other Akharas, including Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara, Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand, and the Sanyasi Akharas like Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, following their allocated slots.
The schedule extends into the afternoon with the Bairagi Akharas and concludes with the Udasin Akharas. Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara will be the last to take the amrit snan, finishing at 5:20 pm.
Each Akhara has been allotted specific times for departure, bathing, and return to ensure smooth coordination. Mahant Acharya Devendra Singh Shastri, secretary of Shri Panchayati Akhara Nirmal, confirmed the arrangements and expressed satisfaction with the schedule.
The first Amrit Snan comes just a day after Paush Poornima, another key bathing day that witnessed large crowds in the Sangam area.