Mon Feb 03 17:55:56 IST 2025: ## Smooth Sailing for Maha Kumbh’s Third Amrit Snan After Stampede Tragedy

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India** – The third and final “Amrit Snan” at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj concluded smoothly on Monday, with an estimated two crore devotees taking a holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. This comes after a stampede on January 29th claimed at least 30 lives, prompting heightened security measures.

Unlike the previous Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, which saw deadly overcrowding, Monday’s event witnessed a more dispersed crowd, with devotees utilizing various ghats along the river instead of solely focusing on the Sangam. This was attributed to increased security personnel and effective crowd control measures implemented by the Uttar Pradesh government following the tragic stampede.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath closely monitored the situation from Lucknow, directing officials to maintain a “zero-error” approach to safety. DIG (Maha Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna reported that additional forces were deployed at all key areas, ensuring a peaceful and orderly procession. The akharas (religious orders), including the Naga sadhus, participated in their traditional processions leading to the holy dip, with helicopters showering rose petals on the assembled devotees.

The Amrit Snan, which began at 4 am, involved a meticulously planned sequence of dips by different akharas, each allotted a specific time slot. Devotees from across India and the world expressed their joy and spiritual fulfillment, praising the improved security and organization. International visitors also shared their positive experiences, highlighting the event’s spiritual significance and the welcoming atmosphere.

While Monday marked the last of the three main Amrit Snans, two more special bathing days are scheduled before the Maha Kumbh concludes on February 26th. The government reported that the overall attendance since the Mela’s commencement on January 13th has reached a staggering 34.97 crore visitors. The highest single-day turnout was recorded on Mauni Amavasya, with eight crore devotees.

Read More