Mahakumbh First Amrit Snan: Over 3 crore devotees take holy dip in Sangam on Makar Sankranti

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with over 2 crore devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam during the first ‘Amrit Snan’ on Makar Sankranti. Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Urban Development) Amrit Abhijat informed ANI that the numbers are expected to surpass 2.5 crore by evening.

The Uttar Pradesh DGP, Prashant Kumar, assured that police are closely monitoring the situation to maintain order during the massive gathering.

Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya arrived at Triveni Sangam for Amrit Snan on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. 

Around 1.60 crore devotees take holy dip in Sangam on Makar Sankranti till 12 noon. 

(Input: Vishal Singh)

CM Yogi Adityanath shared a glimpse of Amrit Snan.

Kinnar Akhara Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi said, "I hope that all the people in the country remain happy and healthy. The 'Amrit Snan' was grand. I hope other 'snans' would also be grand. Kinnar Akhada wishes you well."

Kinnar Akhada Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi arrives for 'Amrit Snan' on Makar Sankranti.

So far, the ascetics of all the 7 Akharas of the Shaiv ​​sect have taken Amrit Snan. First of all, it started with Mahanirvani Akhara. After that, the sadhus and sanyasis of Atal, Niranjani and Anand Akharas took a dip in the Triveni. Along with this, the saints of the largest Juna Akhara have also taken a dip in the Sangam. Along with the Juna Akhara, the eunuch saints also took Amrit Snan. Now it is the turn of the Akharas associated with the Vaishnav i.e. Bairagi sect.

Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, who belongs to Japan, said, "My name is Yogmata Keiko Aikawa. I did samadhi four times. Today, I have come here to take holy dip in Ganga water. I bless everyone. Maha Kumbh is a chance for everyone to purify and energise... word of love and peace to spread out."

The biggest Akhara among the Akharas i.e. Juna Akhara has completed its Amrit Snan. Now they have returned to their camp.

Ramyenarayam Giri of Kinnar Akhara said, "...Kinnar Akhara has come today in Prayagraj to perform ‘Shahi Snan’. I want no one to suffer. There will be peace, happiness and prosperity everywhere. ”

Around 1.38 crore have taken a holy dip till 10 am today. 

(Vishal Singh)

Parmarth Niketan Ashram President Swami Chidanand Saraswati said, "This is a very important day. The Kumbh started from January 13, it is unimaginable to see 1.3 crore people taking bath yesterday. It is a great festival. People are dancing in joy. The Sun God is moving 'Uttarayan'. We expect the Sun God to light everyone, remove their darkness, negativity. The 'Snan' on Makar Sankranti brings a lot of enthusiasm in our lives. People take 'diksha' but could not change the 'disha', it is the day for both, let us make India great."

Devotees from countries like Ukraine, Israel, and others joined Juna Akhara in their spiritual quest. 

By 8:30 am, the number of devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam had reached an astonishing 1 crore.

(Input: Vishal Singh)

"We took a bath in Triveni today. Lakhs of devotees have come here to take the holy dip in Ganga. It’s the history of Indian culture… It’s because of you - the media that today everyone is able to witness ‘Sanatan’," said Niranjan Peethadheeshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj.

Naga Sadhus take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, on the occasion of first 'Amrit Snan' on Makar Sankranti.

Shanti Swaroopanand Giri Maharaj said, "I am from Ujjain. Today there is a festival of Makar Sankranti. People have been taking holy dip since ages. The Sun God moves to 'makar rashi', Uttarayan on this day. We are seeing the wave of Sanatan. I extend my good wishes to all the people. I wish- 'sarve santu niramaya'. Let everyone wash their sins." 

Juna Akhara procession enters the Akhara Marg at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj as the first 'Amrit Snan' continues.

The vibrant sight of Akharas, sadhus and devotees heading towards Sangam for holy dip on Makar Sankranti in Prayagraj.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti of Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar said, "This Maha Kumbh is being held after 144 years, and we are fortunate to witness it. It is historic and grand. A sea of people is here. I would say that those who were trying to attack the Sanatan Dharma, the devotees of Prayagraj are giving a befitting reply to them. We can see youth in large numbers here, this shows the deep roots of faith."

UP CM Yogi Adityanath in an X post said, "This is the living form of our eternal culture and faith. Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of faith, 'Makar Sankranti', congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!"

Attending, MahakumbhMela, a foreign devotee said, "Maha Kumbh is an occassion for the entire world not just India."

Anand Akhada Acharya Mandleswar Balkanand ji Maharaj leads the processions for the first Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.  

Naga sadhus of Niranjani and Anand Akharas proceed for 'Amrit Snan' at Mahakumbh.

Today's Amrit Snan is estimated to last for 9.30 hours, while it may take more than 12 hours for all the Akharas to return to the procession, bath and camps.

On January 14 second day of Mahakumbh, around 4 crore people are expected to take a dip on the first Amrit Snan. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26 and it is being estimated that 35 to 40 crore people will take a holy bath in Prayagraj in Maha Kumbh 2025.

Prayagraj sees a sea of devotees at Maha Kumbh on Makar Sankranti.

Lakhs of people converge at Sangam, Prayagraj for the holy dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

 Naga Sadhus continue to arrive at Sangam for the first 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Devotees from countries across the world have gathered in Prayagraj to participate in the mega event. "Maha Kumbh is the perfect opportunity to share the Sanatan Dharma knowledge," said Priyama, who has come to Prayagraj from Russia. 

Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada take holy dip as the first Amrit Snan of MahaKumbh begins at Triveni Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.

The procession of Niranjani Akhada begins for the first Amrit Snan of MahaKumbh on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.

 "This is a Kumbh of faith and we are going for the dip with joy and fervour," said a saint from the Atal Akhara, which the first one to take the 'Amrit Snan'.   

On Makar Sankranti, Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara will be the first ones to take Amrit Snan. The two Akharas will depart from the camp at 5.15 am and reach the ghat at 6.15. They have been given 40 minutes for bathing. They will depart from the ghat for the camp at 6.55 am and reach the camp at 7.55 am.

Ravindra Puri, president of Akhada Parishad, said, "All the akhadas have been allotted 40 minutes for the Amrit Snan. And all the akhadas will take holy dip, one after another..."

Saints and seers of various akharas continue to arrive in large numbers for the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Mahamandleshwars of different akhadas are leading the processions for the first Amrit Snan of MahaKumbh on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.

'Naga Sadhus' arrive for the first 'Amrit Snan' amid heavy security deployment. 

Heavy security deployment in place as millions of devotees gather for the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. 

On former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' wife Laurene Powell Jobs, Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri said, "She is in my 'shivir'. She has never been to such a crowded place. She has got some allergies. She is very simple...All those people who have never seen our tradition - they all want to join us"

Saints and seers arrive for the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. 

Millions of devotees gather for the first 'Amrit Snan' of the Maha Kumbh Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. 

Shri Kamlanand Giri Maharaj of Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, said, "It's been a long tradition, all the akhadas take holy dip one after another. This Maha Kumbh is an auspicious occasion where people of Sanatan Dharm unite and pray."

Naga Baba Pramod Giri of Shmbhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, said, "It's a matter of happiness for us that Shmbhu Panchayati Atal Akhara and Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada are going together to have Amrit Snan. It has been a tradition that Naga Sadhus are kept ahead."

Preparations are in full swing for the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025. The ceremony will commence with the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhara taking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.

A group of foreign devotees sang the 'Mahishasura Mardini Stotram' as they participated in the Maha Kumbh 2025, the world's largest gathering of human beings. Their devotion and spiritual energy added a unique cultural touch to the sacred event, where people from all over the world come together in unity and faith.

A devotee at Kumbh, said, "I thank the administration. Despite this much crowd, the management has been so well. No one is facing any problem. Cleanliness is there and I thank tourists also for the same."

Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada begin their procession as the first Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh will begin with Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhara taking a holy dip in Triveni Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Sadhus of the 13 akhadas of Sanatan Dharm will take holy dip at Triveni Sangam, a sacred confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati, today.

On the first Amrit Snan, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara said, "...Among the akhadas, the 7 Shaivite akhadas will come out first, then the 3 Vaishnavite akhadas and then the rest, but first the sanyasis come out together, their seven akhadas will come out first."

Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhara will be the first to take the holy dip at the first Amrit Snan of MahaKumbh on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti as Sadhus of the 13 akhadas of Sanatan Dharm will take holy dip at Triveni Sangam - a sacred confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati, today. Mahamandleshwar Swami Chidambaranand of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhara, said, "I extend my best wishes to all on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.  Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhara will be the first to take holy dip on today's Amrit Snan, the first of Maha Kumbh."

A devotee from Italy's Milan said, "I am very happy to be in India as I love India. I am very happy to be in Kumbh Mela. It's the sixth time for me in India. I love bindi..."

Maha Kumbh Mela DIG, Vaibhav Krishna said, "9 police teams will take all 13 akhadas to take holy dip, one after another - and it will continue till evening. Teams of police and CAPFs are there. Sangam will be divided into two parts - in one part akhadas will take holy dip, on the other side, other devotees will, and in between security forces will be there to ensure smooth management."

On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, devotees in large numbers are flocking to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip during the first Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. The confluence of the sacred rivers, Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, has become a center of devotion and faith, as people believe that bathing here during this celestial time washes away sins and grants spiritual blessings. The vibrant atmosphere is resonating with chants, prayers, and the timeless traditions of this grand religious gathering.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended a warm welcome to saints, seers, and devotees at the Sangam in Prayagraj for the first 'Amrit Snan' of the Maha Kumbh 2025. In an X post, CM Yogi said, "A heartfelt welcome to all the revered saints, ascetics, and devotees who have arrived at the sacred Triveni shores in Prayagraj to partake in the first 'Amrit Snan' of the eternal grand celebration of Sanatan unity and social harmony, Mahakumbh 2025. May your devotion and desires be fulfilled in this divine gathering that bestows all blessings and accomplishments.  Har Har Gange!"

The Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, began on a foggy and freezing Monday with over 1.65 crore devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj. Driven by their quest for 'moksha' and the belief that the sacred waters wash away sins, pilgrims from across the world converged at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

This grand event blends spirituality and astrology, culture and religion, tradition and modern technology, creating a unique experience for the faithful. Held after 12 years, the Maha Kumbh is expected to draw over 40 crore visitors over its 45-day duration. Adding to its significance, seers believe the celestial alignments occurring this year mark the first such occurrence in 144 years, making the occasion even more auspicious for devotees.

• On the day of Amrit Snan, Naga Sadhus have the right to take the first bath. After this, other prominent Sadhus and Saints take bath.
• On the day of Amrit Snan, take bath only after Sadhus, Saints and Naga Babas have taken bath. Otherwise, you will not get the benefits of Kumbh Snan.
• If you are going to take bath in Maha Kumbh on the day of Amrit Snan, take care of cleanliness. Do not use soap, shampoo while taking bath in Ganga.

The first Amrit bath of Maha Kumbh 2025 will take place today, with Naga Sadhus taking the first holy dip. This centuries-old tradition of Naga Sadhus bathing first during the Maha Kumbh holds great significance. Common people will only be allowed to take a dip at Triveni Ghat after the Naga Sadhus have performed their royal bath. It is believed that Naga Sadhus are granted the honor of taking the first bath as a sign of respect for their unwavering devotion to religion. According to religious traditions, this custom was initiated by Adi Shankaracharya and has continued to this day. There are also beliefs that this tradition began during the Mughal era.

Some scholars suggest that the bodies of Sadhu Sanyasis, having been perfected through years of chanting and penance, have a special spiritual power. It is believed that when they take the bath first, the river water becomes even more sacred. This purification then benefits the common people, who gain virtue when they bathe in the same waters.

The bath taken on some important dates during Kumbh is called Amrit Snan. This name is considered very special culturally. Scholars have different opinions about this name. Some people believe that Naga Sadhus are allowed to bathe first in Maha Kumbh for their devotion towards religion. During this time, Naga Sadhus come to bathe in the Ganga riding elephants, horses, and chariots. That is, their pomp and splendor are seen like that of kings. It is believed that the holy bath of Maha Kumbh was named Amrit Snan after seeing this royal army of Nagas.  A similar belief is also about Amrit Snan that, in the olden days, kings and emperors used to take out a grand procession with saints and sages to take a bath during Maha Kumbh. Since then, the bath held on some special dates of Maha Kumbh came to be known as Amrit Snan.

During the Maha Kumbh, the first holy bath is today on the day of Makar Sankranti, i.e., on January 14. After this, the second holy bath will be taken on the day of Mauni Amavasya on January 29, and the third holy bath will be taken on the day of Basant Panchami on February 3. However, Kumbh baths will also be taken on the days of Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri, but these will not be called Amrit snan. 

• January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima snan
• January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Amrit snan)
• January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Amrit snan)
• February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Amrit snan)
• February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima snan
• February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan)

The origin of 'Kumbh' is very ancient, it started from the time of Samudra Manthan. When there was a war between the gods and the demons for the Amrit Kalash. Kumbh has special significance for Hindus. On the occasion of every Maha Kumbh, millions of devotees come to participate in this grand festival. In the year 2003, more than 10 million people participated in the Kumbh Mela held in Haridwar. The biggest speciality of Kumbh is the miracle-filled sadhus and saints who participate in the fair, those who are rarely seen. The biggest importance of Maha Kumbh is that the people who participate in it have a different kind of feeling. It is believed that bathing during Kumbh frees one from all kinds of sins which leads a person to salvation. Maha Kumbh is full of miracles in itself. 

The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the major religious events of Hinduism. A grand Maha Kumbh is being organized in Prayagraj from January 13. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26. According to religious beliefs, a person attains salvation by bathing at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh. Also, all the sins of man are washed away by taking a Kumbh bath. The bath taken during Kumbh is also called Shahi Snan.  

The Maha Kumbh is celebrated once in 12 years, completing the 12 cycles of the 12-year Kumbh Mela. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in water on this auspicious occasion multiplies spiritual blessings and enhances the journey of salvation. In contrast, the Kumbh Mela takes place every three years, rotating between the four holy cities of Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The Kumbh Mela is important but smaller in scale compared to the Maha Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh (held every six years). The Maha Kumbha, on the other hand, stands out for its immense size and spiritual significance, attracting the largest number of pilgrims.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is mainly organised in 4 places. 

• Haridwar: The Kumbh Mela is organised in Haridwar when the Sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius.
• Prayagraj: Maha Kumbh is organised in Prayagraj when the Sun is in Capricorn. 
• Nashik: Maha Kumbh Mela is organised in Nashik when the Sun and Jupiter are in the zodiac.
• Ujjain: Maha Kumbh is organised in Ujjain when Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun is in Aries. 

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years in four cities located along the banks of sacred rivers in India. The event, held once every 12 years, is referred to as the "Maha Kumbh" due to its increased significance. This particular Kumbh is considered more auspicious because of its timing, and it attracts the largest congregation of devotees. The Maha Kumbh holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful, who come to bathe in the holy rivers and partake in various religious and spiritual activities.