The holy dip at Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest dreams of Hindu pilgrims in India and now, the day has come, 15th January.
Today, over 12 millions pilgrims likely to gather for the Shahi Snan on the auspicious occasion that is Makar Sankranti. The holy dip began at midnight today in Allahabad. However, the Kumbh Mela is held every six years while the Maha Kumbh takes every 12 years.
On this Shahi snan, the sadhus belonging to 13 akhadas take a dip in the holy rivers along the banks of River Ganga where the Kumbh Mela takes place. The akhadas perform the holy ritual by taking a dip in the river- the Ganges in case of the Praygaraj Kumbh Mela.
As per the norms, no one allows taking a dip in the river until the akhadas finish their Shahi Snans.
From 15th January, the Kumbh Mela has begun and Prayagraj is all decked up for it. Several arrangements have been made for the mela. From tents to street art over 1.22 lakh toilets, the UP government has left no space to make this event a big success. The shower of saints of Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhara and Toponidhi Shri Panchayati Ananda Akhara has been completed. The saints of both ankhedas are leaving for their camp.
At the same time, the largest amphitheatre for the Shahi Bath is reaching the Sangam shore of the Agni Akhara and Avaan Akhara with the Sri Dakshin Juna. After this, all the three Vaishnav Ani Akhara Digambar, Nimori and Nirvani Akhara baths. After this, both the Bairagaran Akhada will take a new neutral and big neutral akhaad bath. In the end, the saints of the holy arena will bathe. Today, it is estimated to plunge in the confluence of 150 million pilgrims. Aquarius has 6 royal baths which will last for 55 days. During this time about 15 million people will earn virtue by putting a dip of faith in Sangam.