Millions of devotees gather at Prayagraj for the sacred Amrit Snan, marking the beginning of Maha Kumbh 2025
What is the Amrit Snan and Its Importance?
The Amrit Snan marks the beginning of a series of holy dips at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. Traditionally known as Shahi Snan (royal bath), this first bath is regarded as the most sacred and is taken by thousands of devotees to purify themselves. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, which is considered a day for new beginnings, the devotees believe that taking a dip at the Sangam during this auspicious period will grant them divine blessings and spiritual liberation.
The significance of the Amrit Snan extends beyond just ritualistic cleansing—it is believed to offer freedom from the cycle of birth and death, a spiritual boon that many seek throughout their lives. For pilgrims, this sacred dip is a mark of their devotion and is seen as a rite of passage in their spiritual journey.
The First Bath: A Historical and Spiritual Moment
The first batch of devotees, including members from 13 akharas (monastic orders), were the first to take the Amrit Snan this year. Among the first to dive into the freezing waters of the Sangam were members from the Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and the Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, who were joined by thousands of other devotees chanting sacred mantras such as “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” as they took the holy dip.
This year’s Maha Kumbh is unique in its scale and significance, with nearly 17.5 million devotees participating on the very first day alone. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, congratulated the devotees, calling the Amrit Snan a living form of India’s eternal culture and faith.
What Makes the Maha Kumbh 2025 Special?
The 2025 Maha Kumbh is drawing attention not only for its spiritual importance but also for its sheer scale. This year’s event is expected to be the world’s largest single gathering, with predictions of 400 million pilgrims visiting Prayagraj over the next six weeks. The event, held once every 12 years, is a blend of spirituality, culture, and celebration, making it a unique global phenomenon.
The Kumbh Mela’s Historical Roots
The Kumbh Mela’s roots trace back to an ancient myth from Hindu mythology. It is believed that during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the gods and demons fought over a pot of nectar that granted immortality. Four drops of this nectar are said to have fallen on four places on Earth—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—where the Kumbh Mela is held every three years in rotation. The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years at Prayagraj, is considered the most auspicious and attracts the largest number of pilgrims.
Infrastructure and Security: Ensuring the Safety of Millions
As the festival is one of the world’s largest gatherings, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented extensive infrastructure and security measures to accommodate the millions of pilgrims. The temporary city created for the event spans over 4,000 hectares and includes 150,000 tents, 3,000 kitchens, and 145,000 restrooms.
To maintain order and ensure the safety of devotees, over 50,000 security personnel have been deployed, with drones monitoring the event. The government has also ensured that the spiritual atmosphere remains undisturbed by strict measures for crowd management. Pilgrims arriving by train have been assisted with the addition of 98 extra trains running 3,300 trips.
The Kalpvas: Devotees Seek Further Spiritual Enlightenment
In addition to the Amrit Snan, the Kalpvas ritual also commenced during the first days of the Maha Kumbh. The Kalpvas is a month-long period of spiritual practice where devotees, known as Kalpvasis, live at the Sangam and perform daily rituals, including chanting, meditation, and taking three more holy dips in the Ganga. Over 2.5 million Kalpvasis are expected to participate, creating a vibrant and deeply devotional atmosphere along the riverbanks.
The Future of the Maha Kumbh: An Ever-Expanding Phenomenon
The Maha Kumbh continues to evolve as a global spiritual event, attracting people from different cultures and backgrounds. The 2025 gathering will leave a legacy of faith, devotion, and unity, highlighting India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. For many pilgrims, the experience of participating in the Maha Kumbh is life-changing, and the chance to witness this massive gathering firsthand is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.