Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti, Pongal 2025 Live Updates: Over 3.5 crore devotees took the first ‘amrit snan’ or holy dip in Prayagraj’s Sangam till evening amid cold conditions. The weather department has forecast dense fog in Pratapgarh, Kaushambi and Fatehpur districts of Prayagraj. The minimum temperature is expected to reach eight degree Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to be around 18 degrees.
Rainfall in Uttar Pradesh has significantly contributed to the drop in temperature. In response, authorities have taken necessary measures to protect devotees from the cold by setting up free night shelters. Additionally, bonfires are being arranged at key intersections to offer relief and help devotees cope with the severe chill.
Meanwhile, the captivating displays of Naga Sadhus during the ‘amrit snan’ on the second day of Maha Kumbh enthralled millions of devotees at Triveni Sangam — the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers.
Leading most of the Akharas during the Amrit Snan, the Naga sadhus mesmerized onlookers with their discipline and mastery of traditional weapons. From skillfully wielding spears and swords to energetically playing the Damru, their demonstrations were a vibrant celebration of age-old traditions.
The devotees are taking ‘Amrit Snan’ on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, which signifies the Sun’s transition to its next astronomical position by the Hindu calendar.
The Mahakumbh Mela, a massive spiritual gathering held every 12 years, holds even greater significance this year as seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years. The Uttar Pradesh government expects at least 35 crore pilgrims to attend the mega festival.
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Saints Laud Govt for ‘exceptional’ Arrangements at Maha Kumbh
Impressed with the arrangements made at the Maha Kumbh, saints and seers after the Amrit Snan on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday lauded the government’s “exceptional” efforts.
The saints expressed their gratitude for the ‘unprecedented” organisation of the event, praising the clean, safe and grand Maha Kumbh, which coincides with a rare celestial alignment occurring after 144 years.
The “seamless” crowd management and “extraordinary” planning to accommodate millions of devotees received widespread appreciation from the religious community, which extended heartfelt thanks to the government for this “remarkable” achievement.
24X7 War Room Set Up at Rail Bhavan to Monitor Trains, Amenities
A 24X7 War Room has been set up by the Railway Ministry in the Rail Bhavan here that provides a live feed of train movements and passenger services with cameras installed at nine stations and its adjoining areas of Prayagraj, an official said on Tuesday.
The Ministry has made elaborate arrangements for crores of devotees arriving from all across the country.
It has deputed more than two dozen railway officials and experts from various fields such as commercial, technical, safety etc in the War Room in various shifts to monitor live feed on the screens around the clock and advise the concerned staff on the ground to take the corrective measures if required.
How Significant Are Akharas And How Do They Lead The Amrit Snan?
There are 13 Akharas, which are divided into three groups — Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav) and Udaseen.
The Shaivite Akharas include — Mahanirvani, Atal, Niranjani, Anand, Bhairav, Awahan and Agni; the Vairagi Akharas — Nirmohi, Digambar Ani and Nirvani Ani, the two Udasin Akharas (Naya and Bada) and the Nirmala Akhara.
Let’s understand Akhadas, their organisational structure, historical significance and key roles during the Kumbh Mela.
UP CM Congratulates Devotees On Taking First Amrit Snan In Maha Kumbh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday congratulated over 3.5 crore saints, Kalpvasis and devotees on taking a holy dip in Sangam at Maha Kumbh on the auspicious occasion of the Makar Sankranti.
On the Amrit Snan festival on Tuesday, more than 3.50 crore revered saints or devotees took a holy dip in the pure Triveni, he said.
Four Runaway Siblings Set Up Tea & Snacks Stall At Maha Kumbh
A video of Maha Kumbh showing people earning handsome profits, a Rs 10,000 loan from a kind friend, and the grandeur of the largest human gathering on Earth have lured four siblings from Gorakhpur to Prayagraj.
While this could be anybody’s story, what sets the four siblings apart is that they left home without informing their parents, bought a pushcart, and set up a tea and snacks stall near Kali Road in Prayagraj, quietly slipping into the sea of humanity that has descended on this holy city for the Maha Kumbh.
Over 3.5 Crore Devotees Took Holy Dip In Sangam
UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Today, on the first Amrit Snan festival, more than 3.50 crore revered saints/devotees earned the holy benefit of bathing in the uninterrupted-clean Triveni.
Heartiest greetings to all revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who took a holy dip of faith in the holy confluence on the auspicious occasion of holy ‘Makar Sankranti’ at the grand confluence of faith, equality and unity ‘Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj’!
On the successful completion of the first Amrit Snan festival, heartfelt thanks to all the revered Akharas based on Sanatan Dharma, Maha Kumbh Mela administration, local administration, police administration, sanitation workers, voluntary organizations and religious institutions, boatmen and all the departments of the central and state government associated with Maha Kumbh and congratulations to the people of the state! May the good deeds bear fruit, let us go to the Maha Kumbh.”
Flower Petals Showered On Pilgrims During ‘Amrit Snan’ At Maha Kumbh Mela
Rose petals were showered on devotees during their ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh on Makar Sankranti, draping the ghats and akharas at the Sangam bank with flowers.
As the rose petals rained down on the devotees, they responded with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Har Har Mahadev.” The Maha Kumbh, being held after 12 years, started on the banks of Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Monday and will continue till February 26.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Kinnar Akhara Performs ‘Amrit Snan’ At Maha Kumbh, Prays For Welfare Of Nation
On the auspicious occasion of the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Maha Kumbh, the Kinnar Akhara took a holy dip in the Sangam here on Tuesday and prayed for the welfare and progress of the country.
While the first major ‘snan’ of the Maha Kumbh was held on Monday on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’, the akharas or the members of the Hindu monastic orders took their first ‘snan’ on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.
Chanting “Har Har Mahadev”, members of the Kinnar Akhara made their way to the Sangam. Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi walked in the centre under an umbrella, accompanied by other mahamandaleshwars of the akhara.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Over 2.5 Crore Take Holy Dip In Sangam In Prayagraj
Until 3 pm, over 2 crore people took a holy dip in Triveni Sangam In Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Laurene Powell Jobs Faces Health Issues at Maha Kumbh, Recovering After ‘Ganga Snan’
Overwhelmed by the huge crowds at the Maha Kumbh, Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, was briefly indisposed but is recovering after ‘Ganga snan’ and rest.
Her enthusiasm to learn about Sanatan Dharma remains strong, according to a statement issued by the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday.
The billionaire businesswoman-philanthropist has been given a new name, ‘Kamla’, by her guru Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of the Niranjani Akhara.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: ‘We Take Pride In Santana Dharma’, Says Mahant Abhiram Das
On the second day of the Maha Kumbh, Mahant Abhiram Das of Digambar Akhara thanked PM Modi for the arrangements made as millions took ‘Amrit Snan’ today.
“We take pride in our Sanatan Dharma, and for this we thank PM Modi. We must focus on ensuring prosperity and harmony within our communities. Our aim is for peace to prevail in our country and state. We hope for the well-being of our people and that the values of justice and respect continue to guide us,” he told IANS.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: 60,000 Security Personnel Deployed In Prayagraj, AI, Google Being Operated
UP Principal Secretary, Home, Sanjay Prasad said proper managements have been made for people in Prayagraj amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh, including the deployment of over 60,000 security personnel.
“The entire area is being navigated through Google, UPI-enabled payment system has been put in place, AI-enabled tools are being used… We have also made arrangements to deal with any emergency situation,” he told ANI.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Gujarat’s Yatra Dham Ambaji Temple Decorated With Colourful Kites
Gujarat’s renowned Yatra Dham Ambaji Temple was decorated with colourful kites on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The dance halls and the sanctum sanctorum were also adorned with kites, bringing a joyous surprise for the devotees.
Gujarat: On Makar Sankranti, the renowned Yatra Dham Ambaji Temple, located on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border, was beautifully decorated with colorful kites. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Ambe, saw its dance hall and sanctum sanctorum adorned with kites, bringing joy to the… pic.twitter.com/3cfDXW8VqP
— IANS (@ians_india) January 14, 2025
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: 1.75 Crore Devotees Attend Maha Kumbh Till 1 PM
At least 1.75 devotees participated in sacred rituals on the second day of the Maha Kumbh till 1 pm today, when the ‘Amrit Snan’ took place on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, informed UP Police. Tight security arrangements are in place with drones, CCTVs and vehicle-monitoring.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: ‘Aao Kumbh Chalein’, Says Swami Chidanand Saraswati
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the spiritual head of the Rishikesh-based Parmarth Niketan Ashram, said no corner of the ghat was left empty in this year’s Maha Kumbh, and invited people from all corners to congregate at the holy event.
The spiritual leader said this Makar Sankranti saw the ‘snan’ of not just people at Maha Kumbh, but the entire Sanatana Dharma. “This is a celebration of the immortality of Sanatan. This Kumbh has shown everyone that ‘sare ghat pate pade hain, log kehte hain hum bate pade hain’. I want to invite everyone here. ‘Aao Kumbh Chale’” he said.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Traditional Foods You Can’t Miss On Makar Sankranti
As people celebrate Makar Sankranti today, traditional foods are a must on this occasion to add a special touch to festivities. Til Laddoo, Gur Rewari, Ven Pongal and Khichdi are some of the foods you can’t just miss on this occasion. Undhiyu, Patishapta, Sakkarai Pongal, Kheer and Chikki are also delightful additions to your meals.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Jaya Kishori Shares Her Experience: ‘Anyone Who Comes Here…’
Spiritual orator Jaya Kishori shared her experience at the Kumbh Mela, expressing admiration for a large number of people taking the holy bath in Ganga despite the cold weather.
“My experience has been very good… Seeing such a large number of devotees in one place creates a unique energy, which is not there on normal days… Anyone who comes here will find everything here- peace, knowledge, spirituality, and culture,” she told ANI.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: How Naga Sadhus Perform In Bitter Cold
Naga Sadhus, who enthralled devotees without wearing clothes, are taking a dip in the holy waters without wearing clothes in the midst of extremely cold temperatures. These sadhus are believed to be capable of enduring subzero temperatures through the power of spiritual practices known as Sadhana.
Naga Sadhus perform three types of Sadhana – Agni Sadhana, Nadi Shodhan and Mantra Sadhana. The ash on their bodies acts as an insulating later that helps in regulating body temperature.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: ‘Amrit Snan Was Grand’, Says Spiritual Head Of Kinnar Akhara
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the spiritual head of Kinnar Akhara, participated in the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the second day of Maha Kumbh.
“I hope that all the people in the country remain happy and healthy. The ‘Amrit Snan’ was grand. I hope other ‘snans’ would also be grand. Kinnar Akhara wishes you well,” Tripathi said.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Foreign Devotees Praise Hospitality As Crowds Grow In Prayagraj
As the crowd continues to increase at the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the second day of Maha Kumbh, foreign devotees have come out in overwhelming numbers to laud the hospitality and the energy of the people. Travellers from the US and Iran said the Kumbh mela was very well organised despite such a massive crowd and they got the opportunity to bath with the sadhus of Akharas.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Crowds Flock To Hubbali Math In Karnataka To Celebrate Makar Sankranti
Devotees thronged to Hubbali’s Siddharoodha Swamiji Math in Karnataka to offer prayers on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Underwater Drones Being Used For Surveillance Operations
The local administration in Prayagraj is using underwater drones in the Maha Kumbh for surveillance and rescue operations, further underscoring the extensive preparations made in the wake of the mega religious event. This drone technology will be helpful as over one crore devotees are taking part in holy rituals at the Triveni Sangam.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Flower Petals Showered On Devotees On ‘Amrit Snan’
Flower petals were showered on devotees taking part in ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: On Horseback, Wielding Weapons, Naga Sadhus Mesmerise Devotees
The captivating displays of Naga Sadhus during the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the second day of Maha Kumbh enthralled millions of devotees at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. At least 1.38 crore devotees took a holy dip till 10 am today on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Leading most of the Akharas during the Amrit Snan, the Naga sadhus mesmerised onlookers with their discipline and mastery of traditional weapons. From skillfully wielding spears and swords to energetically playing the Damru, their demonstrations were a vibrant celebration of age-old traditions.
These Sadhus also carried out the Shobha Yatra of the Akharas on horseback and on foot.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Chidanand Saraswati Calls For ‘Akhand Bharat’ On ‘Amrit Snan’
Chidanand Saraswati, the spiritual head of the Rishikesh-based Parmarth Niketan Ashram called for ‘reunification’ of India and Pakistan citing the grandeur of the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
Without mentioning Pakistan, the revered seer said that people who got separated must be regretting it today citing the grandeur of Maha Kumbh that 15 million people took a bath at a place within 12 hours.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: 250 People Got ‘Lost’ On Day 1. Here’s How They Were Found
Over 250 people who got separated from their loved ones in the massive crowd on the first day of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj were located through efficient measures put in place by the local administration, according to officials.
The administration implemented several crowd-control measures such as ‘Bhula-Bhatka’ camps, police assistance centres and deployment of personnel on specially constructed watchtowers, officials told NDTV.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Chants Of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ And ‘Jai Shree Ram’ As Devotees Brave Chill For Holy Dip
As over one crore devotees braved the cold weather to take a holy dip on the second day of Maha Kumbh, chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Ganga Maiyya’ were heard. The Amrit Snan is taking place on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, which marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn, signifying the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: 7 Akharas Have Taken Holy Dip Till Now
So far, seven Akharas have participated in the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the second day of the Maha Kumbh, starting with Mahanirvani Akhara. It was followed by sadhus and sanyasis of Atal, Niranjan and Anand Akharas who took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam. The sages of the largest Juna Akhara and the eunuch saints of Kinner Akhara also took part.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Meet The ‘IIT Baba’ Who Left Aerospace Engineering For Spirituality
With over 1.6 crore devotees participating on the first day of the religious event, the Maha Kumbh Mela offers a grand spectacle like no other. The biggest congregation of humanity includes Naga Babas and globally respected religious leaders, yet it is an “IITian Baba’ who has stolen the spotlight.
Abhay Singh aka Masani Gorakh, also known as IITian Baba, reached the Maha Kumbh 2025. As soon as the camera caught sight of a young man sitting on a pipe outside a tent, his sparkling eyes stopped the CNN-News18 crew.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Smeared In Ashes, 13 Akhadas Lead Rajasi Snan
The sacred confluence of the Sangam came alive with devotion and celebration on Tuesday as millions of pilgrims, braving the morning chill, took a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, marking the first Rajasi Snan of the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025.
The momentous day, which also marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makar), saw around 80 lakh devotees partake in the holy ritual during the early hours, with the number anticipated to surpass three crore as the day unfolds.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: ‘Bhairav’ Dog Participates In Maha Kumbh’s ‘Amrit Snan’
Thanapati Mani Mahesh Giri Maharaj arrived at the Triveni Sangam during the Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh with his dog ‘Bhairav’.
“This ‘Bhairav’ is also a saint. He is with me for 14 months. He came to me when I was meditating in the Himalayas. He has also come to Kumbh and has achieved virtue. There is no difference between humans and animals for god,” he told PTI.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Planning To Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple? Know The New Darshan Rules
As per reports, by 4 pm, around 1.5 crore devotees had taken the holy dip at 44 ghats in the Sangam City. During the snan (holy bath or dip), around 20 quintals of flowers were showered on devotees from helicopters.
If you are also planning to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple after taking a dip at Maha Kumbh, it is advised to plan in advance as the holy city is expected to host crores of devotees for the duration of the festival.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Flower Showers To Be Conducted On All Akharas Via Helicopter
A helicopter is expected to fly from Prayagraj Airport over the Maha Kumbh Mela from 10:30 to 11:00 am to conduct flower showers on all Akharas. A total of 13 Akharas are taking part in the ‘Amrit Snan’ today on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Thousands Of Devotees Take Holy Dip In Haridwar
Thousands of devotees took a holy dip in River Ganga in Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
“It’s the first ‘Snan’ of Makar Sankranti this year. We have made security arrangements for the devotees. Police have been deployed. The ‘Snan’ began early morning today by 3 am and devotees are still arriving to take a bath,” said SP Pankaj Gairola to PTI.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Jallikattu Event Begins In Tamil Nadu
The Jallikattu competition began in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai district, featuring over 1,100 bulls and 900 bull-tamers. The best bull will be awarded a tractor worth Rs 11 lakhs, while the best bull-tamer will receive a car worth Rs 8 lakhs, alongside other prizes.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: 1.38 Crore Devotees Take ‘Amrit Snan’ On Makar Sankranti
As of 10:00 am today, over 1.38 crore devotees have participated in the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the second day of the Maha Kumbh, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Schedule For Other Akharas
- All India Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara will start from the camp at 10:20 am, reach ghat at 11:20 am, after bathing for 50 minutes and will leave the ghat at 12:10 pm.
- Similarly, All India Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara will start from the camp at 11:20 am and reach ghat at 12:20 pm. After bathing for 30 minutes, it will come back from there at 12:50 pm.
- The remaining three to take the dip are Udasin Akharas. Udasin Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin Akhara will leave its camp at 12.15 pm and reach the ghat at 1.15 pm. After bathing for 55 minutes, it will leave the ghat at 2.10 pm
- Shri Panchayati Akhara, Naya Udasin, Nirvana will leave the camp at 1:20 pm and reach the ghat at 2:20 pm. After bathing for an hour here, it will leave the ghat at 3:20 pm.
- Shri Panchayati Nirmal Akhara will be the last to take the Amrit bath. This Akhara will leave the camp at 2:40 pm and reach the ghat at 3:40 pm. After bathing for 40 minutes, it will leave the ghat at 4:20 pm and reach the camp at 5:20 pm.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: German Citizen Of Indian Origin Participates In Mahakumbh With Wife, Son
On the second day of the 45-day Mahakumbh, which is the world’s largest religious gathering and sees the participation of people from all walks, an Indian-origin German citizen was seen taking part in the Mahakumbh Mela 2025.
The Indian-origin man, who now has German citizenship, was explaining why he made the decision to travel to India and participate in Mahakumbh along with his German wife and their son.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: Steve Jobs’ Wife ‘Unwell’, Was To Take Holy Dip Today
Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjan Akhara said Laurene Powell Jobs aka ‘Kamala’, the widow of Steve Jobs who was to take a holy dip on the first ‘Amrit Snan’ today, was unwell and resting in camp.
“Kamala has come. However, she is a bit unwell and in ‘Shivir’. She will take a bath in Ganga. She has a lot of questions related to ‘Sanatan’ and we will try our best to answer her questions,” he told PTI.
Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti 2025 Live Updates: UP CM Adityanath Offes Puja, ‘Khichdi’ In Gorakhpur On Makar Sankranti
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered puja and ‘khichdi’ at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday (January 14).
SOURCE : NEWS 18
