Sun Feb 02 17:12:06 UTC 2025: ## Millions Expected to Participate in Kumbh Mela’s Third Holy Dip on Basant Panchami
**Prayagraj, India** – The administration is fully prepared for the third major bathing ritual of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, coinciding with Basant Panchami on February 3rd. Millions of devotees are expected to participate in this auspicious event.
This is the third of three major bathing days, following Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya, during which the 13 prominent Akharas (religious orders) participate in the sacred dip in the Sangam.
According to Acharya Ambuj Dwivedi, the most auspicious time for the holy bath on Basant Panchami is from Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise) until 9:30 AM on February 3rd. An additional highly auspicious time is between 11:30 AM and 12:35 PM (Abhijit Muhurat). Devotees are encouraged to offer prayers to Goddess Bhagwati Bageshwari and Goddess Saraswati, wearing white clothes and donating white garments. Offering a lotus flower to Goddess Saraswati and consuming kheer (rice pudding) is also recommended.
Students are advised to begin their studies by writing their first letter and offering a lotus flower to Goddess Saraswati while chanting “Om Aim Saraswati Namah,” wearing white clothes. This is believed to improve focus and mental well-being. The administration has completed trial runs and has made extensive arrangements to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.
First Piper 