PRAYAGRAJ: Naga Sadhus, smeared in ash and showcasing their traditional combat techniques with tridents and swords, led the third amrit snan of Maha Kumbh at sunrise Monday. All 13 akharas and more than 2.5 crore devotees participated in the sacred bathing ritual at Triveni Sangam on Basant Panchami, which stretched from 9.14 am Sunday to 6.52 pm Monday.
The two-day event saw the total count of pilgrims taking a holy dip surpass 3.8 crore, with the overall number of visitors to Maha Kumbh exceeding 37 crore since Maha Kumbh began on Jan 13. Authorities anticipate that the figure will cross 50 crore before the festival concludes on Feb 26. Security was tightened following the tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29), which resulted in 30 deaths and left 60 injured. The security setup and crowd-control measures ensured that the Basant Panchami amrit snan concluded peacefully.
At 3.30am, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level meeting from the “war room” at his Lucknow residence, personally monitoring the situation at the mela grounds. “This grand event fosters the spirit of peace, prosperity, and harmony in society,” the CM said, extending greetings to the seers and pilgrims.
The acharyas and mahamandaleshwars of the 13 akharas arrived in regal fashion, seated atop elaborately decorated chariots mounted on tractor trolleys, followed by long processions of ascetics. First to reach the Sangam was Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, with the rest following in a disciplined flow.
Thousands of pilgrims lined up along designated corridors to catch a glimpse of the sadhus as they proceeded towards the river. The rhythmic beats of the damru and the chants of Har Har Mahadev added to the grandeur.
Helicopters showered flower petals over the Sangam, while senior seers riding chariots tossed flowers and garlands toward the faithful.
The spiritual magnetism of Maha Kumbh transcended borders. Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in Lucknow and is set to visit Maha Kumbh Tuesday morning.
