- Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The digital initiatives by the Uttar Pradesh government for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela has generated interest from international visitors
By: shajil kumar
THE ONGOING Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is attracting devotees from around the world with many thronging to the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the ‘mystical’ Saraswati.
The Maha Kumbh will be held from January 13 to February 26 and more than 400 million people are expected to visit Prayagraj during the period.
One such traveller is Pinar from Turkey. She fulfilled her dream of witnessing the spiritual gathering and took at dip at the freezing waters of Sangam.
Pinar told Moneycontrol.com that she has been fascinated by stories of this majestic gathering of millions of devotees.
After making it to the mela she described the atmosphere as “divine and majestic.” She claimed the event has deepened her understanding of India’s spiritual heritage.
A spiritually inclined Brazilian visitor, Francisco, told ANI that it was an amazing feeling to be present at the Sangam.
He mentioned that though the water at the confluence was cold, but his heart was filled with warmth after he took a dip.
“I am happy to be here. All thanks to my (Indian) husband. I am into yoga for last 20 years but now I have got the opportunity to know about Maha Kumbh.
“This experience is very unique and I feel grateful. It’s a good opportunity to get ‘Moksh’,” Pinelopi Khanna, a Greek national told PTI Videos.
For many foreigners it is a transformative journey that fosters spiritual awakening and cultural understanding.
The digital initiatives by the Uttar Pradesh government for the ongoing mela has generated interest from international visitors.
The official website provides detailed information on the traditions, spiritual significance, travel guidelines, and accommodation.
It also highlights key events such as the bathing festivals and offers a closer look at the rich history of the Kumbh Mela.
All these measures have helped increase the outreach and awareness about the mela across the world.
Amrit Snan
Seers belonging to various ‘akharas’ took the first ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh on the occasion of ‘Makar Sankranti’ on Tuesday (14).
While the first major ‘snan’ of the Maha Kumbh was held on Monday (13) on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’, the akharas or the members of the Hindu monastic orders took their first snan on Makar Sankranti.
Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first ones to take ‘Amrit Snan’. Thirteen akharas are participating in the Maha Kumbh.
The Amrit Snan began in the ‘Brahma Mahurat’ at around 3 am with the icy waters of the Triveni Sangam hardly a deterrent for the sadhus.
Carrying spears and tridents, Naga sadhus with their bodies smeared in ash moved in a procession with some riding horses as they made their way to the Shahi Snan.
Amid chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Ganga Maiyya’, many devotees were also seen moving in groups towards the various ghats with many men carrying their children on their shoulders while some were seen assisting their aged parents.
Previously known as ‘Shahi Snan,’ the ‘Amrit Snan’ is a ceremonial holy dip performed by saints and devotees at sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh.
It is believed to cleanse sins and provide spiritual merit, attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims to partake in this ritual.
The present edition of the Kumbh is being held after 12 years, though seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years, making the occasion even more auspicious.
The fair would continue till February 26 and has four more special bathing dates to go, which are days that draw maximum number of devotees for the dip at Sangam. (Agencies)
