The first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 began on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday with saints and devotees taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The 13 participating Akharas are categorized under three: Sanyasi or Shaivite, Bairagi or Vaishnavite, and Udaseen.
Some of the known Shaivite Akharas are Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani, Shree Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhada, Shree Panchdashnam Aavahan Akhada, and Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhada Panchayti.
On Tuesday, the administration issued directives to streamline the sacred 'Amrit Snan' for the 13 Akharas, ensuring a smooth and traditional sequence.
As per the schedule, Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara performed the ritual first followed by other Shaivite and Vaishnavite Akharas.
Thousand devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam braving bone-chilling cold to take part in this sacred tradition.
The Maha Kumbh festival, which began on Monday with the 'Pavitra Snan' observed on Makar Sankranti, coinciding with the day marking the commencement of the 'Amrit Snan'.
The administration prepared for the sequence with immense scrutiny of time, to observe the customs and rituals of Sanatan Dharma in the correct order and at the right time.
Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted the devotees via X, "This is the living form of our eternal culture and faith.
Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of folk faith 'Makar Sankranti,' congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!
Makar Sankranti, celebrated nationwide, is a testament to India's cultural richness and diversity. Known as Uttarayana in some regions, it marks the sun's transition from Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makara).
Observed annually on January 14 (or January 15 during leap years), the festival is dedicated to Surya, the solar deity, signifying the sun's northward movement and heralding a new beginning.
Makar Sankranti is filled with vibrant festivals, kite flying, and gatherings in the communities. In villages, children have traditional customs: going door to door, singing songs, and collecting treats.
Makar Sankranti also heralds the changing of the season, the good-bye of winter, and the arrival of spring, so full of hope and joy in the hearts of people.
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