The first ‘amrit snan’ of The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gatheringit is scheduled to happen today, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This holy dip, which is believed to cleanse devotees of sins and pave the way to salvation, marks an important event in the month-long religious gathering at Prayagraj.
The current Maha Kumbh, which is held every 12 years, is said to be of special significance because of the 144-year-old alignment of the heavens, according to religious leaders.
Adding to its prominence, this event will witness the participation of 13 Akharas, or monastic orders of Hinduism, who will adhere to a well-organized ritual of ritual bathing.
The Uttar Pradesh government has estimated that 35 crore people will visit Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will end 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.
I Management of the Maha Kumbh released a detailed amrit snan schedule, specifying the date, time, and sequence of participation of each Akhara, PTI news reported.
Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara will lead the ritual, leaving their camp at 5:15 am and reaching the ghat at 6:15 am. They will have 40 minutes of holy dip before returning to their camp at 7:55 am.
The procession will continue throughout the day, with other Akharas, including Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara, Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand, and Sanyasi Akharas such as Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, following their allotted slots.
The program continues in the afternoon with Bairagi Akharas and ends with Udasin Akharas. Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara will be the last to take the amrit snan, finishing at 5:20 pm.
Each Akhara is assigned specific times for going, bathing, and returning to ensure smooth interaction. Mahant Acharya Devendra Singh Shastri, secretary of Shri Panchayati Akhara Nirmal, confirmed the arrangements and expressed satisfaction with the arrangement.
The first Amrit Snan comes just after the day of Paush Poornima, another important bathing day that saw huge crowds in the Sangam area.
(with input from PTI)