Following the suspension of the Holy Dip earlier in the day, Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, announced that the Akharas will resume their ‘Amrit Snan’ on Wednesday. Puri confirmed that Akharas are in continuous contact with the Mela administration to ensure safety and order.
Speaking to ANI, Puri explained, “Our snan was postponed this morning after a massive crowd gathered at the ghats. But now that the crowd has reduced and the ghats designated for our snan are being cleared, it appears that all Akharas will be able to perform the snan today. All Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Naga Sadhus, and devotees will take the holy dip today.”
He further mentioned that the processions will be conducted in accordance with tradition, but on a smaller scale. Puri also added that there is ample time for the rituals and that the Akharas could even perform the snan at night, as today is Mauni Amavasya.
“We are in regular contact with the Mela administration, and there is no rush. We can perform the snan even at night, as today is Mauni Amavasya,” he said.
Addressing the stampede-like situation earlier, Puri clarified that the incident was a result of “misinformation” being spread, which created panic among the people. “Misinformation was spread this morning to create fear, and it succeeded. However, after talking to everyone, we found the reality was different. I urge people not to rush to the Sangam, but to take a dip wherever they find the Holy Ganga,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also appealed to devotees to avoid converging at a single ghat. He urged them to take the Holy Dip at the ghat nearest to them and follow the administration’s instructions for maintaining order.
“Dear devotees, come to Prayagraj, take a bath at the ghat of Mother Ganga near you, and do not try to go towards Sangam. Please follow the administration’s instructions and cooperate in maintaining arrangements. Devotees are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam. Do not pay attention to any rumours,” the CM wrote on X.
In a similar appeal, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji urged devotees not to insist on taking a dip only at the Sangam Ghat, given the large crowds. “Due to the large crowd in Prayagraj today, devotees should not leave their camps and risk their safety. Stay where you are and focus on security,” he advised.
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti also echoed this sentiment, stating, “The number of devotees gathered is more than anticipated. I urge everyone to understand that the entire Mela Kshetra is part of Kumbh. You can take the holy dip at any ghat and not just the Triveni Ghat.”
The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, expected to draw a crowd of 80-100 million people. Other major bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami—Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
