3.5 cr devotees take holy dip in Sangam on1st ‘Amrit Snan’

More than 3.5 crore devotees took part in the first ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers — in Prayagraj on the occasion of ‘Makar Sankranti’ on Tuesday.

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Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, developed an allergic reaction at the fair. Laurene is on a spiritual visit to India. Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri said, “Laurene is resting at my ‘shivir’. She has some allergies. She has never been to such a crowded place. She stayed with us during the puja.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Today, on the first Amrit Snan festival, more than 3.5 crore revered saints and devotees took the holy dip... Greetings to all revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who took a holy dip of faith in the holy confluence of ‘Makar Sankranti’ at the grand confluence of faith, equality and unity Maha Kumbh.”

The ‘Amrit Snan’ began at 3 am. With their bodies smeared in ash and carrying spears and trishuls, Naga sadhus moved in a procession with some riding horses as they made their way to the Sangam. Rose petals were showered from helicopters on the devotees during their ‘Amrit Snan’.

Previously known as ‘Shahi Snan,’ the ‘Amrit Snan’ is a holy dip performed by saints and devotees at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. It is believed to cleanse sins hence attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims to partake in this ritual.

Over 600 people were reunited at the lost and found centre during the fair in Prayagraj, as millions of devotees thronged the mela area on Tuesday.

Authorities are using closed-circuit television cameras, drones and tethered drones to monitor the festival area, along with anti-drone craft to find and remove unauthorised drones.

More than 1,50,000 tents have been set up across 9,900 acres to accommodate visitors.