The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is currently taking place in Prayagraj, India. With a rich history spanning 144 years, Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to attract over 45 crore devotees and sadhus, all coming to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Sangam – the confluence of the Maa Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The Maha Kumbh Mela started on 13th January 2025, but the first ritual bath, known as the Amrit Snan (previously called the Shahi Snan), took place on January 14. This bath holds significant religious and cultural importance, marking the beginning of a series of auspicious dates during the Kumbh period. The Amrit Snan Tradition The Amrit Snan is a key ritual during the Kumbh Mela, where lakhs of sadhus and devotees take dip in the holy Sangam. The tradition dates back centuries and is integral to the cultural and spiritual fabric of the Mela. The first sacred bath of the event is dedicated to the sadhus, especially those from various Akharas (religious sects), who partake in an elaborate procession before immersing themselves in the Sangam. These Akharas hold a central place in the Kumbh Mela, with their dip in the Triveni Sangam regarded as a deeply holy act. This year, the first Amrit Snan was observed on January 14, with Akharas leading the way. These Akhadaas are known for their spiritual and religious contributions, and devotees revere their participation in the Kumbh. As the sadhus took their holy dip, millions of devotees followed the tradition, joining the ritual and seeking blessings from the divine waters of the Sangam. A Glimpse Into The Initial Days Of The Sacred Gathering The buses and trains arriving in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh carried lakhs of passengers while ensuring all necessary safety precautions. In the first seven days alone, over 30,172 passengers arrived by air, with 226 flights operating and a record 5,000 passengers flying into Prayagraj on a single day for the first time. Following the first three days of the event, Indian Railways introduced 137 special trains to facilitate the movement of devotees. By then, 349 regular trains were already operating in the city, and in just the first two days, these trains carried about 15.6 lakh passengers. Indian Railways has planned to run approximately 13,100 trains throughout the course of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Additionally, thousands of buses carried pilgrims to Prayagraj, including private buses operating to and from various parts of the city such as Nampally, Mehdipatnam, Bowenpally, Kompally, LB Nagar, and other areas. As of January 22, 2025, over 9.24 crore devotees have bathed in the sacred Triveni Sangam, with the number continuing to rise steadily. These remarkable figures highlight the cultural and spiritual significance of Uttar Pradesh and the immense scale of the Maha Kumbh. Government Efforts To Enhance Amrit Snan Experience The government is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the pilgrimage experience for all. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, numerous initiatives have been implemented to improve the overall Amrit Snan experience. The first day of Amrit Snan, held on 14th January 2025 during Makar Sankranti, marked a significant occasion. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government reinstated the term 'Amrit Snan' in place of 'Shahi Snan' to honour the state's rich historical and cultural traditions. In terms of safety, the government has introduced comprehensive measures to ensure a smooth and secure gathering. This includes the establishment of 3 Jal Police Stations and 18 control rooms, along with the installation of 4,300 fire hydrants and the operation of 50 fire stations to address potential fire hazards. A network of 50 watchtowers is actively monitoring the event round the clock. The government has also deployed approximately 50,000 police personnel, along with over 2,700 high-tech CCTV cameras, ensuring a seven-layer security system for the Maha Kumbh. Following the first Amrit Snan, Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his congratulations to the revered saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees who participated in the sacred ritual, sharing his message through a tweet. This proactive leadership, commitment, and meticulous planning indicate that this year’s event is set to be extraordinary, with the potential to set new records for Uttar Pradesh. Summary! Amrit Snan is a significant ritual within the Maha Kumbh Mela, believed to grant Moksha and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The first Amrit Snan of 2025 saw an overwhelming influx of visitors and with the upcoming Shahi Snan dates – 29th January and 3rd February 2025 – even more pilgrims are expected. If you’re planning to attend Maha Kumbh 2025, be mindful and embrace the spiritual energy of these sacred bathing dates. The Maha Kumbh Mela continues to serve as a beacon of hope, offering divine blessings to all those seeking a deeper connection with the higher power and the purification of their souls in the holy waters of the Sangam.