As a part of the Shahi Snan, sadhus belonging to 13 akhadas take a dip in the Sangam, confluence of three rivers, along the banks of which the Kumbh Mela takes place.
There is an order in which the Sadhus of the Shahi clan perform the holy ritual by taking a dip in the river — Ganges in case of the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. According to the norms, no one is allowed to enter the holy river before the akhadas finish their Shahi Snans.
The ritual of Shahi Snan dates back to centuries. It is believed that the tradition of a Shahi Snan, a holy dip in the river, next to which Kumbh Mela has been organised, began during the 14th-16th century. The ritual is called Shahi Snan, meaning a royal dip, primarily because of the ceremonial importance attached to it.
During the Shahi Snan, the sadhus reach the river bank in decorated palkhis. It is believed that taking a dip in the river before the mahurat helps one attain immortality. After the rituals of Shahi Snans involving the sadhus are over, common visitors are allowed to take a dip in the river.