Mahakumbh Stampede highlights: Yogi announces judicial enquiry by 3-member committee, Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia

CM Yogi got emotional while speaking about the stampede. He announced a judicial committee enquiry and Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. 

CM yogi has announced to conduct a judicial enquiry by a three-member committee headed by Justice Harsh Kumar.

After Kumbh DIG Vaibhav Kumar confirmed casualties, CM Yogi spoke to the media and said 30 people lost their lives after devotees broke a barricade and ran over sleeping people.

Over 6.99 crore devotees, including 10 lakh Kalpavasis, have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh till6:00 pm

DIG Vaibhav Krishna said that the Mela administration has issued a helpline number - 1920 - for the convenience of the devotees. 

On the Mauni Amavasya Snan, between 1 and 2 am ahead of the Brahm Muhurta, a huge crowd gathered on the Akhara route, because of which the barricades on the other side broke. The crowd on this side crossed to the other side and started running over devotees waiting for Brahm Muhurta... The administration quickly enforced the rescue operation created a green corridor for ambulances, and took 90 injured to the hospitals. Unfortunately, 30 of those devotees have died: DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna.

DIG Kumbh said that the barricading was broken and people walked over the people who were sleeping which led to casualties.

DIG Vaibhav said that no VIP was treated today and every individual who was present in Mahakumbh was treated without protocol. 

DIG Kumbh Vaibhav Krishn said that 60 were injured and were taken to the hospital. 

DIG kumbh Vaibhav Kumar said that 30 devotees died during the early morning stampede. Out of these 30, 25 people have been identified.

On Mahakumbh stampede, Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "My appeal to people in the Kumbh is don't need to panic. Just be calm, slow down, take your time, don't have to rush. There is no such thing as one particular moment or minute that you have to take a dip. You can take a dip in any of the ghats. When there is a huge crowd. You have to be really watchful"

Regarding the Mahalumbh Mela in Prayagraj, North Central Railway CPRO Shashikant Tripathi said, "It is the holy festival of Mauni Amavasya. After taking a bath, a large number of devotees are coming towards the railway premises... Now slowly the crowd is moving towards the railway station. We have operated a total of more than 80 special trains through about 50 North Central Railway, 13 Northern Railway and 20 North Eastern Railway till noon... The railway administration has planned to run 190 special trains today so that people do not face any inconvenience..."

Till now over 5.71 crore people have taken a holy dip in Triveni waters today, with more than 19.94 crore people overall till 28th January: Uttar Pradesh Information Department

 North Central Railway CPRO Shashikant Tripathi said, "It is the holy festival of Mauni Amavasya. After taking a bath, a large number of devotees are coming towards the railway premises... Now slowly the crowd is moving towards the railway station. We have operated a total of more than 80 special trains through about 50 North Central Railway, 13 Northern Railway and 20 North Eastern Railway till noon... The railway administration has planned to run 190 special trains today so that people do not face any inconvenience..."

At Mahakumbh 2025 on the occassion of Mauni Amavasya, head of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri said, "We are going for the 'Amrit Snan.' Thousands of sants and naga sanyasis are accompanying me. We'll clear the ghats soon so travellers can take the holy dip..."

DIG Mahakumbh, Vaibhav Krishna said, "Juna Akhara and two other Akharas are going for Amrit Snan now. Everything is peaceful, situation is under control. Since there were a lot of devotees, the Akharas proposed to us that they would delay their Amrit Snan. This was a huge support from the Akharas to the administration...The injured in the stampede are undergoing treatment. No one is serious, everyone is out of danger."

Seers of Juna Akhara took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya in Prayagraj Mahakumbh. Before taking a bath, a seer said, “We held a meeting with other Akhadas and decided that the Snan would begin only after Rahu Kaal ends. Rahu Kaal lasted until 2 PM, and after that, each Akhada has a designated time for taking the holy dip.” 

Three Shankaracharya - Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Swami Sadanand Saraswati and Swami Vidushekhar Bharti - take holy dip at Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya.

Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhada Swami Kailashanand Giri said, "Today we did Ganga Pujan...and worshipped for the peace and prosperity of the people...I want to thank the administration and the CM of Uttar Pradesh for all the arrangements that they made for the 'snan'..."

Seers of the Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhara head towards Sangam to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavsya.

Flower petals were showered on the saints and seers while they took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said that all three Shankaracharya present in Mahakumbh will take holy dip on Mauni Amavashya.

On Mauni Amawasya, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara said, "...We thought that the devotees should not face difficulties because of us and we postponed our Snan. As the situation is now under control, we have come to take the dip. All the Akharas are together going to take the dip. My message is that India should be united and we should not divide on the basis of castes...We are Hindus, we are Sanatanis..."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the stampede at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday. The Chief Minister wished for the quick recovery of the injured devotees.

Seers of Atal Akhara have taken holy dips in Tiveni Sangam on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

Niranjani Akhara has taken a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam on the occasion of the Mauni Amavasya in Prayagraj Mahakumbh.

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad chief Ravinder Puri said, "We are going for Amrit Snan and thousands of saints and Nagas are coming with me... We will vacate the ghats very quickly so that all the devotees who have come here are able to take a holy dip..."

The 'amrit snan' on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya continues as Akharas head towards Triveni Sangam with their deities.

Seers of Maha Nirmani Akhara arrive at the Trivent Sangam to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

Former Odisha CM and BJD president Naveen Patnaik said, "Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives in stampede ahead of Mauni Amavasya holy dip in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries."

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said, "It has been a Sanatani tradition to take a holy dip at Sangam during Kumbh. All kinds of people become one and take a holy dip here. It is also a symbol of social unity, a congregation for spirituality. We have also come. Everyone is sad because of what happened (stampede). Now we have to ensure that it does not happen again."

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has expressed condolences and said, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. I express my condolences to the bereaved families of the devotees who lost their loved ones in the accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. May God give strength to the bereaved families in this hour of grief."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the Mahakumbh stampede in Prayagraj in his Delhi poll rally.

Union Minister Amit Shah has reacted to the stampede in Prayagraj. He said, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place at Maha Kumbh. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The administration is treating the injured in hospitals. I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the local administration."

Over 4.24 crore devotees, including 10 lakh Kalpavasis, have taken a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya till noon. So far over 19.94 crore people have taken a dip during Mahakumbh.

(Reported by: Ruchi Kumar)

Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Sarsaswati and Sringeri Peeth Shankaracharya Jagatguru Swami Vidushekar Bharati arrive at Trivent Sangam to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.

Devotees continue to arrive at Sangam in large numbers to take holy dip on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya' amid heavy security arrangements.

Saints continue to arrive, though in smaller processions, at the Triveni Sangam for the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

Uttarakhand government releases toll-free numbers to assist its citizens attending the Mahakumbh in UP's Prayagraj. People who are visiting Prayagraj for Mahakumbh from the state can get any kind of help by calling toll-free numbers - 1070, 8218867005, 9058441404.

President Droupadi Murmu in an X post said, "The stampede at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. I express my condolences to the families of the injured devotees and pray to God that all the injured devotees recover soon."

Heavy crowd witnessed at Varanasi Cantt Railway Station as the devotees wait for trains to commute to Prayagraj for Mahakumbh.

Saints start arriving at the Triveni Sangam for the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

According to the sources, PM Modi spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Union Cabinet meeting being held at the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi. He inquired about the railway's preparations for devotees safely from Prayagraj after the stampede in Maha Kumbh

Vaishnaw informed PM Modi about the arrangements made by the Railways in Prayagraj. He told PM Modi that today more than 360 trains are being run from Prayagraj.

The Railway Minister told PM Modi that a train is coming and going every 4 minutes at many railway stations of Prayagraj. RPF and GRP personnel have been deployed at all railway stations of Prayagraj for crowd control. Passengers are being given entry at the station according to the color code.

(Input: Anamika Gaur)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an X post said, "The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government."

Heavy security was deployed at the Triveni Sangam as police pave the way for Akharas and saints for their Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

 Police are trying to vacate the Akhara Marg amid huge influx of devotees. 

Saints begin their procession as they head to the Triveni Sangam for the second Amrit Snan of MahaKumbh on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri said, "Today we will bathe our deities. Since the crowd is huge here, we will go to the ghat in small numbers. We are trying our saints and seers to avoid it today unless it is extremely important. We need to keep in mind the situation of ghats and the crowd. The next Amrit Snan on Vasant Panchami will definitely be a grand one... If we can bathe our deities, we will consider we have bathed ourselves... We haven't been permitted by the administration yet, but as soon as we are given the go-ahead, we will proceed. We will not carry out huge processions this time."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav over the phone.  The Chief Minister has asked the Railway Minister to run as many trains as possible from Prayagraj. More and more trains should be run so that people who have come to bathe in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh can get out of the city quickly and easily. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has assured the CM that a train is coming and going to Prayagraj every four minutes. Vaishnav told Yogi that more than 360 trains are being run from Prayagraj today. After the stampede in Mahakumbh, efforts are being made to get the devotees out of Prayagraj through trains as soon as possible.

(Input: Anamika Gaur)

Till now over 3.61 crore people have taken a holy dip in Triveni waters today, with more than 19.94 crore people overall till date, as per the Uttar Pradesh Information Department. 

DIG Mahakumb, Vaibhav Krishna orders horse-mounted police personnel to move devotees in order to vacate Triveni Sangam ghat.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said,"The situation in Prayagraj is under control. Around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj today. There is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose. A few devotees have suffered serious injuries when they tried to cross barricading on Akhara Marg. The injured been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment. Since Mauni Amavasya mahurat started last night, a large number of devotees have been coming in. The PM has taken stock of the situation four times till now. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel are also continuously taking reports of the situation. The situation in Prayagraj is under control but the crowd size remains massive. The saints of different Akhaaras have humbly said that devotees should take holy dip first and once crowds reduce Akharas will proceed for the holy dip. There are large crowds at Sangam Nose, Nag Vasuki Marg and Sangam Marg. I appeal to the devotees to not pay attention to any rumour. Ghats have been made in the entire Kumbh area, devotees don't need to move towards Sangam nose only. Devotees should take holy dip at the ghats nearest to them. We are ensuring proper medical treatment of the injured persons. The Railways have organised special trains from different stations of Prayagraj region to take devotees back to their respective destinations."

CM Yogi Adityanath has said that currently, 10 crore devotees are present in the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. CM Yogi said that the accident happened due to the breaking of barricades on Akhara Marg in which many devotees were seriously injured. The injured were immediately taken to the hospital and arrangements for their treatment etc. have been made.

Yog guru Baba Ramdev said, "This is the Amrit kal of Sanatan. All those who are here during the Amrit Snan of Mauni Amavasya, should stay 'maun' and meditate and pray and indulge in bhajan. They should hold gratitude in their hearts. When in crowds like this, it is our duty to ensure our and everyone else's safety. If everyone is careful, everything will go on smoothly. All devotees who are here need to be patient. The first characteristic of dharma is patience. Even though everyone wants to visit Sangam, it is not practically possible so wherever you are, you can go to your nearest ghat since the flow of water from Sangam will definitely reach every ghat in Prayagraj."

President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri said, "...Once the crowd reduces, we will proceed to take a holy bath..."

The Railways has planned to run more than 360 trains from the various stations in the Prayagraj region today. As of now, there is no plan to cancel any special train: Ministry of Railways

Akhilesh Yadav has appealed to the government to provide immediate medical treatment to the seriously injured by air ambulances to the nearest best hospitals. Immediate efforts should be made to reunite those who are separated. Surveillance should be increased by making good use of helicopters.

Akhilesh Yadav has appealed to the government to continue the amrit tradition of 'Snan' that has been going on since the Satyuga, and urged to make arrangements to conduct the 'Amrit Snan of Mauni Amavasya' amidst safe management parallel to relief work.

Akhilesh Yadav appealed to the devotees to exercise restraint and patience in this difficult time and complete their pilgrimage peacefully. He also said that the government should learn a lesson from today's incident and make additional arrangements for the stay, food, water and other facilities of the devotees. 

In response to the Maha Kumbh incident, security has been intensified at Prayagraj Junction to manage the large influx of devotees.  

• Increased deployment of soldiers at the railway station.  
• Additional personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been stationed for crowd control.  
• Devotees have been temporarily stopped at the station to prevent overcrowding at the fairgrounds.  
• Government Railway Police (GRP) soldiers have also been deployed to maintain order and assist passengers. 

Parmarth Niketan Ashram President Swami Chidanand Saraswati said, "As soon as I got to know about the stampede, we informed everyone at our camp that we would not do snan together today. Everyone is asked to take a dip at their nearest Ganga Ghat. We have cancelled 'samoohik snan'. Everybody's well-being and service shall be everyone's priority right now... We have prayed for those who got injured in the incident. PM Narendra Modi has talked to CM Yogi Adityanath twice in the last hour and is in constant touch. The administration is actively working... We have cancelled all our programs and are heading to the Sangam to meet people and the victims."

A high-level meeting is underway at the Chief Minister's residence in Lucknow regarding the Maha Kumbh incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally reviewing the situation along with senior officials, including DGP Prashant Kumar, ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash, and Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad.  

(Input: Ruchi Kumar)

A massive crowd of devotees continue to gather in Mahakumbh area to take holy dip in Triveni waters on Mauni Amavasya. 1.75 crore people have taken holy dip today till 6 am. A total of 19.94 crore people have taken holy dip till January 28, as per UP govt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously monitoring the situation at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and is in constant contact with the Uttar Pradesh government. He has spoken with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times so far, providing directions to ensure the swift normalisation of the situation and effective relief measures for the injured.  

(Input: Devendra Parashar)

After doing a 'shanti puja' for those affected by stampede, Parmarth Niketan Head Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj said, "We have cancelled all the planned programmes and told the people that at this time, the only worship is to pray for people affected by the stampede wherever they are. There is no need to go together for holy dip at Sangam, I would urge them to take holy dip wherever they are. Safety of people is the 'snan' at the moment. PM Modi immediately talked to CM Yogi two times. A big crowd has come. We have done a 'shanti puja'."

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is continuously monitoring the situation and receiving updates from officials since the incident was reported. He has issued necessary guidelines to ensure that the bathing process continues smoothly and that all possible assistance is provided to the injured. Authorities are actively working to manage the crowd and prevent any further incidents.

(Input: Vishal Singh)

Sea of devotees taking a holy dip at Sangam in Prayagrag on the Mauni Amavasya. 

Yoga Guru Ramdev takes holy dip in Sangam. "We have taken 'snan' at this sacred pilgrimage - Sangam. This Kumbh is of great value. We prayed for the welfare of the country and the entire world. We did 'snan' in a symbolic way due to the sad incident that happened... we just performed the rituals," he said.

BJP MP Hema Malini took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya today. Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara and Yog guru Baba Ramdev also took holy dip today

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to devotees-

• Take a bath at the ghat near Ganga, do not try to go towards Sangam Nose
• Many ghats have been built for bathing
• Follow the instructions of the administration, cooperate in making arrangements and do not pay attention to any rumour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath for the second time in an hour. He is continuously monitoring the situation at Mahakumbh.

(With inputs from Devendra Parashar)

The route which was closed for Akharas and Naga Sadhus has now been opened for the public so that the crowd is reduced and people can bathe quickly.

Pilgrims continue to take holy bath at Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amawasya during  Mahakumbh.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following a stampede-like situation at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Mahakumbh Mela. He also assured him of full support from the Centre.

Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur said, "I did not go to the Sangam Ghat because the size of the crowds over there is massive. I appeal to the people that not insist on taking a bath at the Sangam Ghat only. The entire Ganga and Yamuna rivers are 'Amrit' right now.'

Devotees are seen holding each other using clothes as rope to avoid being left out amid the overwhelming gathering at Triveni Sangam.

Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji said, "I appeal to all the devotees that because a large crowd has gathered in Prayagraj today, they should not insist on taking a holy dip only at the Sangam Ghat. As of now, they should not leave their camps and look for their security."

On the stampede-like situation in the Maha Kumbh area Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said, "This is a sad incident. Whatever happened was not right. Akhara Parishad has decided to cancel their Amrit Snan keeping in mind the public interest. The no. of gathered devotees is more than anticipated. I appeal to the people that the entire Mela Kshetra is Kumbh, hence they may take a bath at any ghat and not just the Triveni Ghat."

A stampede-like situation broke out at Sangam at the Sangam, where several people, including women and children, suffered injuries. Visuals of one the injured being shifted to Motilal Nehru Medical College. 

President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri said, "We are saddened by the incident that took place. There were thousands of devotees with us... In the public interest, we decided that the Akharas will not participate in the Snan today. I appeal to the people to come on Vasant Panchmi for a Snan, instead of today. Also, the incident happened because devotees wanted to reach Sangam Ghat, instead, they should take a dip wherever they see the Holy Ganga. It is not the fault of the administration, it is not easy to handle crores of people. We should cooperate with the authorities."

Many devotees are reported to be injured due to stampede on the banks of Sangam on the day of Mauni Amavasya. It is being told that this stampede happened due to rumours. After the stampede, the Akharas have decided to cancel the Amrit Snan. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri said, "You would've seen what happened in the morning, and that's why we have decided to... All of our saints and seers were ready for the 'snan' when we were informed about this incident. That's why we have decided to call off our 'snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya'."

PM Modi spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath about the situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela, reviewed the developments, and called for immediate support measures.

Rescue operations are underway after a stampede-like situation arose in Maha Kumbh and several people were reported injured.

Rapid Action Force personnel deployed as lakhs of devotees throng Triveni Sangam on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. 

Police clear Akhara route at entry point near Sangam as devotees arrive in large numbers to take the holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. 

Lakhs of devotees throng Triveni Sangam for 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. 

Devotees from different parts of the country arrive in Prayagraj on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan. Visuals from outside Prayagraj Railway Station. 

Devotees arrive in large numbers amid heavy security to take holy dip in Triveni Sangam on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. 

Spiritual leader Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati said on importance of 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya', said, "Every minute and every moment is special in the Maha Kumbh as a rare celestial alignment is occurring after 144 years. It seems like that the entire universe is working to enlighten us. 'Mauni Amavasya' is a divine day, and it has a lot of significance. 'Amavasya' is a moon-less night, but the moon never changes its shape. However, on this day, we can't actually see the moon. When there is no light or no moon, we look inside for that light, and spirituality teaches us that the real light inside us only. Similarly, 'Mauni Amavasya' teaches silence. 'Mauni' means silence. This teaches us to become noise-less amidst the noise." 

 Devotees take a holy dip at Sangam on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'. 

Mahamandaleshwars of Mahanirvani Akhara reach for Amrit Snan at the Triveni Ghats.

Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara prepares for 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'. 

Thousands of devotees gather for the second Amrit Snan on the occassion of Mauni Amavasya. In the first 15 days of Mahakumbh that began on January 13, over 15 crore devotees have taken a holy dip.

The Mahanirvani Akhara proceeds to the Triveni Sangam for the Amrit Snan on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

 "I am very happy to be here. This is my second time here. I also came here in 2013. I came again after 12 years. It is a unique experience. I will take the Amrit Snan at 5.25. The people are very welcoming," said Pascal from Belgium.

Saints and seers from various akhadas are preparing for the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the sacred occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.

A large number of devotees have gathered at the Kumbh Mela area to participate in the 'Amrit Snan' on the auspicious occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.

The 13 akharas participating in the Mahakumbh have been asked to stick to their allotted bathing time in the Triveni Sangam. The Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual on January 29 is being considered special due to the belief that the auspicious planetary combinations on the day are occurring after 144 years.

Around 10 crore devotees are expected to turn up at the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on the occasion of second Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya. Bathing ritual is the most significant ritual performed at Kumbh. Although taking a dip in the sacred waters on all days beginning from Makar Sankranti is considered holy, yet there are some specific auspicious bathing dates, which are known as 'Amrit Snan' (formerly called Shahi Snan).

The second 'Amrit Snan' of Mahakumbh is today. The second Amrit Snan, which will take place on Mauni Amavasya, holds deep religious importance as it is believed that on this day, nectar (amrit) rains from the sky, making the water spiritually potent. Bathing on this day is said to offer immense spiritual benefits, and it marks one of the most significant rituals of the entire Kumbh Mela.

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.

Dates of 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 Mahakumbh Mela is one of the major religious events of Hinduism. A grand Maha Kumbh is being organised in Prayagraj from January 13. The Mahakumbh 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 Amrit 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 "Mahakumbh" 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.