Tue Jan 14 15:22:35 UTC 2025: ## Kumbh Mela’s ‘Amrit Snan’: 35 Million Devotees Take Holy Dip, Chaos Ensues
**Prayagraj, India** – The first “Amrit Snan” (royal bath) of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj saw a record-breaking 35 million devotees taking a holy dip in the Sangam confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers on Tuesday. The event, which began at 6 AM and concluded at 6 PM, saw the participation of saints from all 13 Akharas (religious orders), including the Juna Akhara.
The massive influx of pilgrims led to significant logistical challenges. Railway stations and bus stands were overwhelmed, with massive crowds clogging roads leading to transportation hubs. Prayagraj railway station was reportedly packed beyond capacity, forcing authorities to hold passengers in halls and release them onto platforms only as trains became available. Railway officials reported the departure of 55 Maha Kumbh special trains by midday, with more scheduled for the night.
The sheer number of pilgrims also strained accommodation resources. All shelters and hotels were full, forcing thousands to camp on the streets. At least four deaths due to heart attacks were reported since Monday night.
This unprecedented turnout follows Monday’s Poush Purnima snan, which drew 16.5 million people. The two days combined saw a staggering 51.5 million pilgrims participate in the holy dip.
The event, which saw saints chanting “Har Har Mahadev” as they arrived at the ghats, was marked by its scale and the newly adopted term “Amrit Snan,” replacing the traditional “Shahi Snan” at the suggestion of the Akharas.
Thick fog hampered the journey of many pilgrims traveling from distant districts, causing delays. However, authorities implemented a system to manage the crowds at the railway station, directing passengers to platforms according to their train numbers to prevent chaos.
Despite the smooth train dispatch, the sheer volume of people leaving Prayagraj created enormous crowds outside the station. Travel time within the Kumbh Mela area was significantly impacted, with journeys of just 500 meters taking over an hour. Approximately 4,500 people were separated from their families by midday, highlighting the challenges of managing such a huge crowd. A digital lost-and-found center is working to reunite them.
The event also saw the deployment of underwater drones for the first time to monitor activities beneath the surface of the Sangam. The mela also witnessed the usual mix of religious fervor and logistical challenges, with reports of a sadhu being detained for questioning following suspicion over his identity.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his congratulations to all involved in the successful organization of the event, and expressed his expectations of over 500 million pilgrims throughout the festival. International pilgrims praised the event’s organization and the warmth of the Indian people. Despite the overwhelming crowds and challenges, the Amrit Snan was largely deemed a success, albeit a chaotic one. The Indian army is on standby to help manage the continuing large crowds throughout the Kumbh Mela.
First Piper 