The 45-day spiritual Maha Kumbh commenced with the 'Shahi Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima on Monday. The holy city of Prayagraj witnessed a large gathering of devotees at Triveni Sangam.
This event, which is held at the bank of Sangam - a sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers - is referred to as the largest human gathering. Over a period of one-and-half months, it is expected that 35-40 crore devotees will take part in the auspicious event.
As reported by ANI, the devotees were seen taking holy dip as Maha Kumbh - a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once in 144 years - begins with the 'Shahi Snan'.
A group of foreign devotees also took the holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima.
As per a devotee Vijay Kumar, "... The arrangements here are very good. There is an arrangement for everything - for food and accommodation... the roads are also good."
NDRF teams and water police of Uttar Pradesh Police have been deployed at places to ensure the safety and security of devotees at the site.
There are six baths or snans in Maha Kumbh, including three royal baths (Shahi Snan) and three other baths: February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan), February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima, January 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan), January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima, January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan), and January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan), as reported by News18.