The first Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh 2025 began on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, with the Sadhus of the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada taking a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers.
Sadhus from the 13 Akhadas of Sanatan Dharma are scheduled to participate in the holy ritual one by one. These Akhadas are divided into three primary groups: Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav), and Udaseen. Among the Shaivite Akhadas are:
- Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada
- Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani
- Shree Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada
- Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani
- Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhada
- Shree Panchdashnam Aavahan Akhada
- Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhada Panchayti
Naga Baba Pramod Giri of the Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara expressed joy at the collaboration among Akhadas. “It’s a matter of happiness that Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara and Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada are going together for the Shahi (Amrit) Snan. It has been a tradition that Naga Sadhus are always at the forefront,” he told ANI.
Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj of Anand Akhara highlighted the spiritual significance of the event. “Nothing is greater than the Maha Kumbh. Those who can come here are truly fortunate. Being present here brings peace and joy. Our saints and scriptures have always prayed for world peace. I bow to our great seers, religious texts, Mother Earth, and Lord Shiva for granting us this day.”
Mahamandleshwar Swami Gyan Puri of Mahanirvani Akhara remarked on the unique organization of the event. “Despite the massive crowds, everything flows smoothly. Everyone finds a place for a holy dip. Such an experience is unparalleled.”
Security and crowd management were also prioritized. SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi stated, “All Akhadas are proceeding for the Amrit Snan. Police personnel, PAC, horse-mounted police, and paramilitary forces are stationed along the Akhara routes leading to the snan area to ensure smooth proceedings.”
The Maha Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years at one of four locations in India and is recognized as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The Maha Kumbh 2025, or Poorna Kumbh, will continue until February 26, 2025, with key dates for the sacred baths as follows:
- January 14: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)
- January 29: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
- February 3: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
- February 12: Maghi Purnima
- February 26: Maha Shivaratri
The ongoing Maha Kumbh serves as a testament to India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, uniting millions in devotion and reverence.
