The largest human congregation on Earth, the Kumbh Mela, got underway in the Uttar Pradesh city of Prayagraj with great fanfare. The sacred “Amrit Snan,” signifies a ceremonial dip in the holy rivers, which is at the center of the festivities.
The ‘Amrit Snan’ holds profound importance, especially on key dates such as Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), and Basant Panchami (February 3).
These dates are considered spiritually potent, and participating in the ‘Amrit Snan’ during these times is believed to enhance the ritual’s benefits.
About 35 crore pilgrims are anticipated to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, which will take place near Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge.
During the period of Mauni Amavasya, an estimated four-five crore devotees are expected to reach the holy city and participate in the festivities.
The Mahakumbh this year is even more significant because of a unique celestial alignment that only happens once every 144 years, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event in addition to its religious significance. The Kumbh Mela takes place every four years in Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
The leaders of different akharas and astrologers meet and study the positions of the Sun and Jupiter to decide the location and date of the Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela is organised four times in 12 years following the movement of Jupiter which orbits around the Sun in 12 years.
13 Akharas (religious orders) participate in the ‘Amrit Snan’, each of which has a specific order and time for the ritual bath. Each Akhara has been notified of their precise dates, and the administration has carefully organized the schedule to guarantee conformity to customs.
The Uttar Pradesh administration, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has revived the name “Amrit Snan” in remembrance of historical customs, replacing the prior usage of “Shahi Snan.” By returning to the roots of Sanatan culture, this modification seeks to restore the sacredness of the original name.
