The first Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced in the early hours of Tuesday, drawing an extraordinary gathering of 3.5 crore devotees and sadhus to the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Observed on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the ritual began with chants of “Har Har Gange” resonating along the ghats, as pilgrims took a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
The event witnessed the ceremonial processions of various akhadas (Hindu monastic orders), each making a grand entrance to the Sangam. The sequence of the holy baths was meticulously managed by the Akhada Parishad, which assigned time slots to the akhadas based on traditional hierarchies.
The sacred ritual began with the Naga Sadhus, ash-smeared and carrying tridents, swords, and other symbolic weapons, leading the charge during the Brahmamahurta (pre-dawn hours). Mounted on horses and accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals, the sadhus of Mahanirvani Akhada were the first to immerse themselves in the holy waters. They were followed by Niranjani Akhada, Panchdashnam Juna Akhada, Aawahan Akhada, and Panch Agni Akhada.
Next came the Bairagi Akhadas, including Shri Panch Nirmohi, Panch Digambar Ani, and Shri Panch Nirvani Ani, with the sequence concluding with the Amrit Snan of Udasin and Nirmal Akhadas.
In a historic first, over 500 transgender sadhus, led by Tina Ma, participated in the ritual. Speaking about their inclusion, Tina Ma expressed deep pride and gratitude, stating, “This is a monumental moment for us. We pray to Ma Ganga for the progress of our country.”
The event also attracted pilgrims and visitors from across the globe, with many sharing their profound experiences. Sarah, a 34-year-old from the UK, described her participation as “transformative,” adding that it felt like being part of something eternal. Carlos, a yoga teacher from Spain, marveled at the scale of the gathering, calling it “mind-blowing,” while Claudia from Poland was captivated by the spirituality and spectacle, particularly the procession of aghori sadhus.
For the safety and management of such an enormous gathering, advanced monitoring systems, including drones, CCTV surveillance, and thermal imaging, were deployed for crowd control and real-time updates. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his congratulations to all devotees, calling the event a testament to India’s timeless culture and unwavering faith.
“This is the living embodiment of our eternal culture and belief. On this auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all who have taken the first Amrit Snan at the Triveni Sangam of Maha Kumbh 2025,” he stated.
The Maha Kumbh continues to be a symbol of spiritual unity, drawing millions to Prayagraj in pursuit of divine blessings and the purification of the soul through the sacred Amrit Snan.