Tue Jan 14 05:49:24 UTC 2025: ## Millions Take the Holy Dip at Kumbh Mela’s First ‘Amrit Snan’
**Prayagraj, India** – The first “Amrit Snan” (Royal Bath) of the Kumbh Mela began at 6:15 AM on Tuesday, drawing an estimated 15-20 million devotees to the Sangam confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. The event, previously known as the “Shahi Snan,” saw a spectacular procession of Naga Sadhus (naked ascetics), carrying tridents, damarus (drums), and covered in sacred ash, riding horses and chariots, chanting “Har Har Mahadev.”
Authorities reported that over 13.8 million pilgrims had bathed in the Sangam by 10:00 AM, with an estimated 30 million having taken the holy dip in the 30 hours leading up to that point. The sheer scale of the event was highlighted by the massive crowds stretching 8-10 kilometers along all access routes to the Sangam. Each of the 13 Akharas (religious orders) was allocated a 30-40 minute window for their ritual bath.
The event attracted international attention, with media from around the world and pilgrims from over 50 countries present. Among the attendees were a Turkish Muslim woman, Pinar, who described fulfilling a long-held desire to witness the Kumbh Mela, and a group of nine from various countries, including Iran, who praised the event’s organization and spiritual impact. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell, also attended, along with former Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti.
Security was tight, with 60,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed, and vehicle entry into Prayagraj restricted. The army was placed on standby due to the immense crowds, with some army vehicles deployed on the outskirts of the mela grounds. One family resorted to using a cart to transport themselves due to the extensive walking distance.
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was described as overwhelmingly spiritual and joyous. Devotees eagerly sought blessings from the Sadhus, touching their feet or applying the dust from their feet to their foreheads. The event concluded with the Mahanirawani Akhara’s holy bath, marking the end of the first Amrit Snan. The authorities emphasized the peaceful nature of the event, crediting the extensive security measures, including drone and CCTV surveillance, for maintaining order. The second Royal bath is scheduled for Makar Sankranti.
First Piper 