In an effort to showcase Kumbh Mela-2019 at Sangam City as an international religious tourism extravaganza, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would release dates of the main bathing day, including three ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bathing) on May 19.
Yogi would be visiting Allahabad on Saturday to announce the dates in presence of Akhara Parishad chairman Narendra Giri.
There are six bathing days starting from January 15 to March 4 next year, including three Shahi Snan.
Earlier, Urban Development minister used to announce the dates in the presence of sadhus, but this time, the Chief Minister would himself be present on the occasion.
The state government changed the name of 2019 Prayag Ardh Kumbh to Kumbh. While Ardh Kumbh Mela is held every six years, Kumbh Mela is held after every 12 years. Now the government has renamed t he 12-year Kumbh as Maha Kumbh.
The state government is expecting around 10 crore pilgrims and tourists to visit Allahabad during Kumbh Mela. During the Shahi Snan, members of 13 recognised Akharas reach Sangam with much pomp and show for bathing and Naga sadhus lead the procession.
During his visit to Allahabad, Yogi, after announcing bathing dates, would also inspect and monitor works of Kumbh Mela on the banks of Ganga and Yamuna.
As per bathing days, Kumbh will start on Makar Sankranti on January 15, which will also be the first Shahi Snan. The second bathing day will be on Paush Purnima on January 21.
However, February 4 would be the main bathing day in this Mela and also second Shahi Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. The highest number of pilgrims are likely to reach Sangam during Mauni Amavasya, which also falls on the auspicious Monday.
The third and last Shahi Snan would be held on the occasion of Basant Panchami on February 10. The remaining two bathing days are on Maghi Poornima on February 19 and on Maha Shivratri on March 4.