Tue Jan 14 05:49:23 UTC 2025: **Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Thousands Take First Holy Dip on Makar Sankranti**
PRAYAGRAJ, Uttar Pradesh – The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 kicked off today with the first “Amrit Snan” (holy dip) on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Thousands of devotees, including sadhus from 13 akharas (religious orders) and international pilgrims, converged on the Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers) in Prayagraj to participate in the sacred ritual.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara and Anand Akhada Acharya Mandleshwar Balkanand ji Maharaj led processions to the bathing area. One foreign devotee described the Maha Kumbh as “an occasion for the entire world, not just India.” Mahamandleshwar Swami Gyan Puri of Mahanirvana Akhara commented on the smooth organization of the large crowds, highlighting the efficient management of the event.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the event as a “living form of our eternal culture and faith,” congratulating participants. Security was tight, with SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi confirming the deployment of police, PAC, horse-mounted police, and paramilitary forces along the procession routes and bathing areas to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. The event continues, with further Amrit Snans scheduled throughout the Kumbh Mela.
First Piper 