As the first rays of dawn broke over Prayagraj, millions of pilgrims gathered at the Sangam-the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati-to take a holy dip on Makar Sankranti, inaugurating the Amrit Snan. With chants of “Har Har Gange” echoing through the air, the event became a grand celebration of faith, spirituality, and cultural heritage.
The sacred ritual commenced at 5:15 a.m. as saints and sadhus from the 13 akharas arrived in a meticulously organized procession. Akhara after akhara marched toward the river, performed their ceremonial dip, and retreated to their camps with military-like precision. By evening, the entire sequence had unfolded seamlessly, leaving devotees in awe of the orderliness amid the vibrant chaos.
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 crore people are expected to participate in this holy dip.”
Naga sadhus, the ascetic warriors, captivated the crowd with an electrifying display of martial arts. Armed with swords, tridents, and spears, they performed awe-inspiring feats, showcasing their agility and skill.
Spectators watched with bated breath as the sadhus engaged in mock combat, their movements embodying a blend of discipline and spirituality. “Watching the Naga sadhus is like witnessing history come alive,” said Rajiv Sharma, a pilgrim from Kanpur. “Their dedication is truly inspiring.”
Each akhara brought its unique flavor to the ritual. Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani led the proceedings, with marigold-adorned sadhus chanting hymns as they entered the icy waters.
Devotees thronged the ghats, cheering and showering flower petals on the processions. Some akharas arrived on horses, while others came in ornately decorated silver palanquins, adding to the grandeur of the event.
“This is not just a dip; it is a divine moment that connects us to the eternal,” said Swami Kailashanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhara. “Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into Uttarayan, a time of immense spiritual significance. To be here today is a blessing beyond words.” The spectacle extended beyond the riverbanks. The sprawling festival grounds, dotted with over a million tents, buzzed with activity.
Families performed rituals, lit diyas, and offered flowers, while the air resonated with the sound of conch shells and temple bells. Young pilgrims captured the scenes on their phones, eager to share the experience with the world. “This is our culture in its full glory,” said 24-year-old Riya Verma from Lucknow.
Young pilgrims like Aniket Mishra captured the scenes on their smartphones, eager to share the grandeur with the world. “This is our culture in its full glory,” said 24-year-old Riya Verma from Lucknow.
Young pilgrims like Aniket Mishra captured the scenes on their smartphones, eager to share the grandeur with the world. “This is our culture at its finest,” he said, smiling as he adjusted his selfie stick.
Safety and logistics were paramount for the event, which saw over three crore participants. More than 50,000 police personnel managed the crowds, supported by mounted squads. Makeshift toilets numbering 1.5 lakh ensured sanitation, while 15,000 sweepers maintained cleanliness.
Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhara Parishad, praised the arrangements, saying, “The time slots allocated to each akhara have ensured smooth execution. It’s heartening to see such meticulous planning for an event of this scale.”
