On February 3, 2025, in Prayagraj, the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati witnessed a sea of devotees as millions gathered for the third and final ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh Mela, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Basant Panchami. By early morning, over 6.22 million devotees had taken a holy dip, with numbers continuing to rise throughout the day.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, saw people from all walks of life arriving at Triveni Sangam to seek divine blessings. Devotees, saints, and pilgrims braved the chilly waters to participate in the sacred bathing ritual, believed to cleanse sins and pave the way to spiritual liberation.
Speaking about the importance of the occasion, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj stated, “The Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami is a time of great spiritual energy. It signifies purity, knowledge, and devotion. The Sangam becomes a gateway to divine blessings.”
Following the tragic stampede during Mauni Amavasya’s snan, authorities had ramped up security measures under the newly implemented ‘Operation Eleven’. This initiative aimed at better crowd control, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all attendees. Over 20,000 police personnel were deployed, with drone surveillance, emergency response teams, and crowd management experts monitoring the site.
Adding to the spectacle were the Naga Sadhus, ash-covered ascetic warriors of Hindu monastic orders, who led their respective akharas in a dramatic procession. Armed with tridents and swords, they performed their traditional martial displays before plunging into the sacred waters, drawing awe from onlookers.
The Juna Akhara, one of the oldest sects of sadhus, led the first snan at sunrise, followed by other prominent akharas like Niranjani, Mahanirvani, and Nirmohi Ani. Thousands chanted Vedic hymns, conch shells echoed through the air, and the energy was palpable as saints and devotees alike rejoiced in the spiritual moment.
The event drew not just Indian devotees but spiritual seekers from across the globe. Among them was Rajeshwari Maa, a Mahamandaleshwar of Nirmohi Ani Akhara from Japan.
Pilgrims from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Asia also participated, underscoring the universal appeal of the Kumbh Mela.
In a grand gesture, helicopters showered flower petals over the devotees and saints as they took the sacred dip, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The sky above the Sangam turned into a spectacle of devotion as saffron flags fluttered, and devotional songs filled the air.
The final ‘Amrit Snan’ on Basant Panchami was a testament to India’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage and unity in diversity. As the sun set over the holy confluence, the event concluded with chants of ‘Har Har Gange’ resonating across the Sangam, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those present.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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