Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is currently in full swing with crores of pilgrims, including foreigners, taking holy baths since it began on January 15. The mega event will continue till February 26. Foreigners attending Maha Kumbh Mela are also praised for their rituals.
In a video that has attracted an audience online across the globe, a group of foreigners can be seen singing ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ before going for their Shahi Snan on the occasion of Basant Panchami. “It is an experience beyond words and I feel very blessed,” a foreigner said while speaking to news agency ANI while going to take a holy dip. “I am so happy to be here. I have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam,” said another.
#WATCH | #MahaKumbhMela2025 | Prayagraj, UP: Foreign devotees sing ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ as they head to Triveni Sangam for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Basant Panchami. pic.twitter.com/Fnmw9AhYP8
— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2025
Third Shahi Snan at Maha Kumbh on Monday
Meanwhile, the Maha Kumbh Mela witnessed the third Shahi Snan on Monday on the occasion of Basant Panchami. So far 33 crore people have already taken holy dip at the Sangam, even as the officials expect 5 lakh devotees to take holy dip on Monday alone. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been monitoring the situation personally since 3: 30 AM from Lucknow, officials said.
Saints and ordinary citizens take a holy dip since early morning at Sangam
Earlier in the day, sadhus, including Nagas from various Akharas, started their ceremonial journey towards the Triveni Sangam. The first of the Akharas completed their holy dip by 6 AM even as the process continued smoothly for others, which also include the Juna Akhara, whose Nagas are a huge attraction of the event, said officials. Among ordinary citizens, nearly 16.58 lakh devotees took a holy dip by 4 AM, which included 0 lakh kalpvasis and 6.58 pilgrims, they added further. Importantly, the security have been further tightened and other arrangements are also in place Basant Panchami holy bath, keeping in mind the recent stampede on Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29) in which over 40 people were killed and several were injured.