Govt Offices Closed as Massive Crowds Flock to Prayagraj for 2025 Maha Kumbh ‘Amrit Snan’

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is seeing a surge in crowds as millions of devotees partake in the sacred ‘Amrit Snan’ (holy dip) on the occasion of Basant Panchami. This significant event marks the third ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Mela, which started on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26. The festival, which occurs every 12 years, has already seen over 35 crore bathers, and with over 20 days left, the authorities expect the total number of devotees to exceed 50 crore by the end of the Mela.

Basant Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Saraswati and marks the arrival of spring. It also signals the beginning of preparations for Holi. This year, the festival is especially significant as it coincides with the third of the key bathing days at the Mela, the ‘Amrit Snan.’ The ritual holds immense spiritual importance for Hindus, as it is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam during this time purifies the soul.

While the gathering is a deeply spiritual occasion, the Mela has also been marred by recent tragedy. The previous ‘Amrit Snan’ during Mauni Amavasya witnessed a devastating stampede that resulted in 30 deaths and left 60 others injured. The authorities have since taken extra precautions to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has reinforced security measures, medical support, and crowd control strategies to ensure the safety of the millions of attendees. CM Adityanath personally inspected the arrangements to ensure everything was in place for the smooth conduct of the Mela.

The authorities have also coordinated with the akharas (spiritual sects) to ensure a well-structured flow of devotees into the holy waters, with strict adherence to safety protocols. The Naga sadhus, who are known for their distinctive rituals and appearance, also drew attention during the event. Covered in ash, the Naga sadhus participated in the ‘Amrit Snan’ and showcased their weapon-handling skills with spears, tridents, and swords, adding a unique spiritual flair to the proceedings.

Devotees from across the globe have also gathered in Prayagraj to take part in the holy dip. By 4 a.m. on the morning of the Basant Panchami ‘Amrit Snan,’ over 16.58 lakh people had already bathed in the Sangam, with expectations that the total number for the day would reach around 5 crore. International participation has also been significant, with more than 200 devotees from various countries taking part in the prayers, bhajan kirtans, and the holy dip. These international attendees have expressed their appreciation for the spiritual ambiance and the exceptional organization of the event.

In addition to the religious significance, the Mela has also become a site of political commentary. Jagatguru Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Dau Satua Baba Maharaj, a prominent spiritual leader, recently criticized Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly disrespecting Sanatan Dharma during his party’s tenure. Baba Maharaj accused Yadav of politicizing religion for personal gain, stating that those who have not supported the Sanatan tradition should not attempt to gain from it now.

The event on Basant Panchami is expected to be one of the largest bathing rituals of the Mela. With the Uttar Pradesh government closely monitoring the situation, they are taking every step to ensure that the event continues smoothly and without incident. The remaining major bathing dates in the Mela include Maghi Purnima on February 12 and Maha Shivaratri on February 26.

The Maha Kumbh Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela continues to attract millions of devotees, both from India and abroad, making it a grand spectacle of faith and devotion. It serves as an important cultural and spiritual gathering that unites people in the pursuit of divine blessings and purification. Despite the challenges, the authorities are striving to maintain order and provide a safe and fulfilling experience for all attendees, ensuring that the Mela remains a peaceful and spiritually enriching event for generations to come.

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