Maha Kumbh 2025: Akharas Celebrate 'Amrit Snan' on Makar Sankranti
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Synopsis
The first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 took place on Makar Sankranti, where saints and devotees gathered at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for a holy dip. Thirteen Akharas participated in this sacred ritual, marking a significant event in India's cultural calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Inaugural 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 on Makar Sankranti.
- Participation of 13 Akharas categorized into three groups.
- Triveni Sangam witnessed thousands of devotees.
- Guidelines issued for a smooth ritual.
- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath extended greetings.
Prayagraj, Jan 14 (NationPress) The inaugural 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced on the auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. Saints and devotees partook in a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, the revered confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati, located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The 13 Akharas involved in the Maha Kumbh are categorized into three factions: Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnavite), and Udaseen. The Shaivite Akharas encompass 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 this day, the administration issued guidelines to facilitate the sacred 'Amrit Snan' for the 13 Akharas, ensuring a smooth and traditional process.
According to the timetable, Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first to undertake the ritual, followed by other Shaivite and Vaishnavite Akharas.
Despite the frigid temperatures, thousands of devotees flocked to the Triveni Sangam to engage in this revered tradition.
The Maha Kumbh celebration, which kicked off on Monday with the 'Pavitra Snan', reached its second day on Makar Sankranti, coinciding with the initiation of the 'Amrit Snan'.
The administration meticulously arranged the sequence to uphold the customs of Sanatan Dharma while ensuring proper timing and discipline.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conveyed his greetings to devotees via X, stating, "This represents the living embodiment 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 gained virtue by taking the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!"
Makar Sankranti, celebrated across the nation, reflects India's cultural richness and diversity. Known as Uttarayana in certain regions, it signifies the sun's transition from Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makara).
Observed each year on January 14 (or January 15 during leap years), the festival honors Surya, the solar deity, symbolizing the sun's northward journey and heralding a fresh start.
The festival is characterized by lively celebrations, kite flying, and community gatherings. In rural areas, children partake in traditional activities, going door to door, singing songs, and collecting treats.
Makar Sankranti also signifies the seasonal shift, bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring, filling hearts with hope and joy.
