Basant Panchami ‘Amrit Snan’ at Maha Kumbh, millions take holy dip amid high alert

Uttar Pradesh: The third grand ‘Amrit Snan’ of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 commenced in the early hours of Monday in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with akharas leading the ceremonial dip. The event follows stringent security measures after the tragic stampede on the previous auspicious bathing day, which resulted in at least 30 deaths. The sacred ritual, observed on Basant Panchami, was conducted under an organized schedule devised in coordination with senior sadhus of various akharas.

A strict bathing schedule implemented

To ensure smooth proceedings, each akhara was allotted a 40-minute time slot for the ritualistic dip at the Triveni Sangam, the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati confluence. The first procession completed its holy bath and returned to camp by 8:30 AM. Mounted police monitored the Sangam Nose area, ensuring order among the arriving devotees.

Sadhus lead royal processions to the ghats

Leading the spiritual march, Mahanirvani and Atal Akharas began their sacred journey at 4 AM, much earlier than their scheduled time of 5:15 AM. Visuals showed revered Mahamandleshwars heading processions, followed by saffron-clad ascetics and Naga sadhus smeared in ash. Common devotees were permitted to take the holy dip only after the saints completed their rituals.

Basant Panchami ‘Amrit Snan’ amid tightened security

This year’s Basant Panchami Amrit Snan holds profound significance, particularly in light of the recent stampede at Sangam Nose on Mauni Amavasya, which claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 others injured. Authorities have strongly advised devotees to avoid overcrowding the confluence point, stressing that all ghats hold equal spiritual value.

By 4 AM on Monday, an estimated 16.58 lakh devotees had already participated in the sacred bath. Since January 13, the total count of pilgrims taking the holy dip has surpassed 34.97 crore, including 10 lakh kalpvasis and 6.58 lakh other pilgrims. The Uttar Pradesh government anticipates a staggering 5 crore footfall on Monday alone.

Yogi Adityanath inspects crowd control measures

Determined to prevent further mishaps, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally reviewed security measures on Saturday. The administration has deployed additional personnel, medical teams, and surveillance resources to ensure a zero-error crowd management strategy.

Akharas follow a traditional sequence for the holy dip

The ritual bath follows an established order of akharas, categorized into three sects—Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen.

• Sanyasi Akharas commenced their bathing at 4 AM, with participation from:

  • Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani
  • Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara
  • Sri Taponidhi Panchayati Sri Niranjani Akhara
  • Sri Panchayati Akhara Anand
  • Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara
  • Shri Panchdashnam Avahan Akhara
  • Shri Panchagni Akhara

• Bairagi Akharas enter the waters at 8:25 AM, with key participants including:

  • All India Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara
  • All India Shri Panch Digamber Ani Akhara
  • All India Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara

• Udaseen Akharas will be the last to perform their sacred dip, beginning at 11 AM and concluding by 3:55 PM. Participants included:

  • Shri Panchayati Naya Udaseen Akhara
  • Shri Panchayati Akhara Bada Udaseen Nirvana
  • Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara

With a heightened security presence and a well-coordinated schedule, authorities are ensuring that the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 proceeds smoothly, allowing millions of devotees to partake in this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.