Maha Kumbh’s first ‘Amrit Snan’ began early in the morning on January 14, 2025 | X (@myogiadityanath)
Maha Kumbh 2025 witnessed its first ‘Amrit Snan’ on Tuesday (January 14). Holy men began to come to the ghats of Prayagraj at 6:115 am and began the ritual bathing in the waters of Ganga. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate everyone who took part in the Amrit Snan. He said that the Amrit Snan was a testament to eternal Indian culture.
The first Amrit Snan is taking place on the day of Makar Sankranti (January 14). CM Yogi extended his wishes of Makar Sankranti as well.
Amrit Snan is ritualistic bathing undertaken by holy men of different ‘akhadas’ (religious orders). Sadhus from 13 akhadas take part in the Amrit Snan. Ascetics from 13 akhadas come sequentially at p[re-determined time to take dip in holy waters of river Ganga, an act which is believed by the devotees to wash off all the sins of a person.
X (@myyogiadityanath)
The 13 akhadas are divided in three groups: Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav) and Udaseen.
The Shaivite akhadas include Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani, Shree Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhada, Shree Panchdashnam Aavahan Akhada and Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhada Panchayti.
Uttar Pradesh government issued an order on Monday (January 13) mentioning the sequence in which the akhadas would take part in the ‘Amrit Snan’. Nearly all Akhadas have been given 40 minutes each for bathing.
“Nothing is bigger than this (Mahakumbh). Those who are able to come here are extremely fortunate… Wherever we see people are fighting among themselves. Here it’s peaceful. Merely being present here and watching everything unfold, brings joy and peace… Our saints and shastras have always wanted for peace in the world. I bow down to our great seers and our religious texts, I bow down to our earth and Lord Shiva for giving us this day. Everyone should come here…” said Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj from Anand Akhara, He was quoted by ANI.
