Akharas organised a majestic 'Amrit Snan' on Monday that drew a sea of devotees to the Triveni Sangam at the Maha Kumbh on Basant Panchami, with seers praising the arrangements made for the auspicious occasion.
The third Amrit Snan assumed special significance as it came after the pre-dawn stampede on January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), which claimed at least 30 lives and injured 60 others.
Sheer shock of the unfortunate incident had led the Uttar Pradesh government to step up its crowd management system, and safety, medical and transport arrangements, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directing officials to ensure a "zero-error" Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami.
Till 8 am on Monday, over 62 lakh devotees had taken a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati here, according to the government.
As the Amrit Snan continued without any reported incident, Adityanath, who himself is a monk, was in for some praise from the seers, an official statement said.
"On this sacred festival of Basant Panchami, the world looks toward India because of our rich spiritual values and social harmony. Yogas and Ayurvedas are rising globally, reflecting our ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- seeing the whole world as one family. Let us also vow for more planting of trees and reduction of plastic usage to ensure a glorious future," said Juna Akhara Peethadheeshwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj.
"On this pious Basant Panchami, Sanatanis worship Maa Saraswati as Akharas take the holy dip. Only a leader who truly understands religion can honour such traditions -- and no one embodies this better than Yogi Ji, " said Acharya Mahamandaleshwar and Niranjan Peethadheeshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara.
Acharya Swami Balakanand Giri Ji of Anand Akhara said that Adityanath made sure there were grand spiritual arrangements for the Amrit Snan, and the government gave full support.
Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, said, "After the Amrit Snan, we will go to Varanasi. We have been given 40 minutes for bathing. I request all devotees to not visit the Sangam Ghat unless absolutely necessary.".
"The purpose of Kumbh Mela is global peace and unity. Here, people from all castes and religions come together and symbolize the spirit of unity, prosperity, and brotherhood," said Atal Peethadheeshwar Swami Vishwatmanand Saraswati.
Mahanirvani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Vishweshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj said on Monday that this day gave the opportunity to pray for the welfare of the whole world.
"People from all walks of life have gathered here. The arrangements made by the administration are excellent," he said.
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