Millions take holy dip at Sangam on Makar Sankranti, marking the start of Amrit Snan

By midnight, the Sangam was alive with activity as devotees braved the biting cold to secure their place in the queue

Millions of devout Hindus, led by naked ascetics smeared with ash, plunged into the icy waters of the Ganga at the Sangam in Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti, marking the first day of the Amrit Snan. This sacred ritual, steeped in belief and devotion, is seen as a spiritual act capable of washing away one’s sins.

The saints and sadhus of the 13 akharas, representing different sects of Hinduism, began the ceremonial bathing process in a grand procession. With cries of “Har Har Gange” and “Har Har Mahadev” reverberating through the air, the Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani led the way with the inaugural dip at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Each akhara was allotted 30 to 40 minutes for their holy bath, ensuring an orderly yet vibrant spectacle that captivated millions.

The event saw Naga sadhus, the ascetic warriors, take center stage as they dashed towards the river, their bodies adorned with marigold garlands, amidst a cacophony of religious chants. Some rode horses, while others were carried in ornate silver palanquins, accompanied by marching bands. Applause erupted from tens of thousands of pilgrims as the heads of akharas showered flower petals on the crowd before taking their sacred dip.

Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhara Parishad, remarked, “Each akhara has been given its time slot for the Amrit Snan. This is a divine and exceptionally well-organized Kumbh.” The meticulous arrangements included crowd management across roads leading to the Sangam, which were filled with a sea of devotees stretching 8 to 10 kilometers.

Swami Kailashanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhara, described the day’s significance: “The Rajasi Shahi Snan is a rare privilege, even for the gods. Today marks the sun’s transition to Uttarayan, a deeply auspicious occasion that saints across the country eagerly await. Around 3-4 crore people are expected to participate in this holy dip.”

By midnight, the Sangam was alive with activity as devotees braved the biting cold to secure their place in the queue. Wrapped in woolens, pilgrims carried their belongings on their heads, embodying an unwavering faith that transcended discomfort. “It feels like a burden lifted from my soul,” said Savitri Devi, a 65-year-old pilgrim from Rajasthan, as she emerged from the waters with a serene smile.

The festival grounds were a kaleidoscope of colors, with over a million tents dotting the area and pilgrims dressed in traditional attire thronging the ghats. Children splashed in shallow waters while elders recited scriptures, their chants blending with the sound of conch shells and temple bells. Many, like 22-year-old Aniket Mishra from Prayagraj, captured the moment on their phones, eager to share their spiritual journey with the world. “It’s a proud moment to celebrate our culture with such grandeur,” he said, selfie stick in hand.

The spiritual fervor was complemented by nature’s grace, as a light drizzle the previous night enhanced the cool morning breeze. Pilgrims lit diyas, offered flowers, and performed rituals, transforming the banks of the Sangam into a tableau of devotion. “The cold water feels like the blessings of the goddess herself,” said Ramesh Gupta, a trader from Delhi. “This is not just a bath; it is a spiritual rebirth.”

To ensure safety and order, over 50,000 police personnel were deployed, including mounted squads to regulate the flow of pilgrims. Makeshift toilets numbering 1.5 lakh and a workforce of 15,000 sweepers kept the tent city clean and functional.

As millions gathered for this celestial event, the unity of faith and the sanctity of the occasion stood as a testament to India’s enduring spiritual heritage. With chants of “Har Har Gange” echoing through the air, the Makar Sankranti snan reaffirmed the timeless bond between humanity and the divine.