The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s biggest religious congregation, will have its inaugural ‘Amrit Snan’ today, on the celebration of Makar Sankranti. This sacred dip, which is supposed to wash devotees of sins and open the way to salvation, is a highlight of the month-long religious gathering in Prayagraj.
According to religious leaders, the current edition of the Maha Kumbh, which is conducted every 12 years, is particularly significant since cosmic alignments occur after 144 years.
The event will also feature the involvement of 13 Akharas, or Hindu monastic groups, who will follow a painstakingly prepared schedule for the ritual bath.
The Uttar Pradesh government expects 35 crore pilgrims to visit Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, which begins on January 13 and ends on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to the event as a celebration of India’s ancient cultural and spiritual legacy.
The Maha Kumbh administration has issued a precise schedule for the amrit snan, outlining the day, time, and order in which each Akhara will participate, according to news agency PTI.
The ritual will be led by Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, who will leave their tent at 5:15 a.m. and arrive at the ghat by 6:15. They’ll have 40 minutes for the holy dip before returning to their camp at 7:55 a.m.
The sequence will continue throughout the day, with additional Akharas, such as Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara, Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand, and Sanyasi Akharas like Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, taking their assigned roles.
The schedule continues in the afternoon with the Bairagi Akharas and closes with the Udasin Akharas. Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara will be the last to take the amrit snan, ending at 5:20 p.m.
The first Amrit Snan occurs just one day after Paush Poornima, another important bathing day with significant crowds in the Sangam area.
