The Maha Kumbh Mela is witnessing yet another grand 'Amrit Snan' on Monday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, the first holy bathing ritual following the tragic stampede on January 29, which claimed at least 30 lives. Authorities have implemented tighter arrangements and protocols to facilitate an incident-free ‘Amrit Snan,’ ensuring the safety of millions expected at the sacred site.
This significant ritual marks the third ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Mela, where several seers from various ‘akharas’ are taking holy dips at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. By 4 am, approximately 1.658 million devotees had already participated, with the Uttar Pradesh government anticipating up to 5 crore (50 million) devotees throughout the day.
Basant Panchami, celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Magha, heralds the arrival of spring and the preparations for Holi, honoring the goddess Saraswati. Last week’s ‘Mauni Amavasya’ witnessed not just massive participation but also catastrophic consequences due to overcrowding, resulting in 30 fatalities and about 60 injuries.
Reacting swiftly to the tragedy, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath began personally overseeing preparations and reinforcing measures since Saturday. He focused on crowd control and safety—prioritizing the welfare of both sants and devotees participating in this sacred event.
Government offices in Prayagraj were granted holidays to effectively manage the anticipated crowds. The District Magistrate announced the closure to facilitate peace and law enforcement during the festivities. Special crowd management tactics are now being employed to orchestrate the order of ‘akharas’ for the holy dip, as the site of the prior stampede has necessitated more organized procedures.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, occurring once every 12 years, started on January 13, 2025, and runs until February 26, with upcoming important bathing dates on February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). With the flood of devotees, local authorities have put additional security, medical resources, and crowd control protocols in place—essential adaptations aimed at preventing past incidents from recurring.
Chief Minister Adityanath was reported to have been monitoring the situation from early morning, ensuring contingency plans facilitated smooth operations at the event. His vigilance is underscored by his direct involvement and focus on communication with officials and the safety of participants.
Meanwhile, additional measures included deploying experienced administrative officers familiar with past Kumbh festivals. Senior IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Chandra Goswami have returned to oversee the Mela, bringing extensive administrative experience from the successful execution of the 2019 Ardh Kumbh.
Besides the religious fervor, the Mela is characterized by its vibrancy, showcasing the diversity of Hindu devotees, including many ascetics or sadhus who adorn themselves uniquely with ash and dreadlocks. The visual richness of the event is accompanied by its deeply rooted traditions of seeking salvation through the sacred waters.
Authorities are monitoring the movements of the devotees closely. Additional District Director General of Police Bhanu Bhaskar stressed the need for strict crowd control, implementing instructions aimed at dispersing those on the ghats after their holy bathing. "Please do not linger unnecessarily on the ghats after bathing; clear the area so others may bathe. Do not eat or drink on the ghats and go to designated areas for refreshments," he encouraged.
With significant projections estimating over 5 crore devotees, preparations have reached new levels of urgency. The UP government's commitment to ensuring safety and order at the Mela is evident, with local officials executing directives for ‘zero error’ protocols. Following the previous incident’s devastation, the focus is on maintaining safe pathways, monitoring crowd densities, and ensuring swift medical response if needed.
Descriptions of the event highlight not only the key participation of devotees but also the significance of the Amrit Snan itself, seen as pivotal for pilgrims. Each ‘snan’ is inspired by astrological configurations believed to increase the ritual's sanctity, urging believers to purify their sins.
Even as the city of Prayagraj buzzes with activity, reports have emerged from nearby Ayodhya, where the celebration of Basant Panchami drew approximately 15 lakh devotees, also highlights the synchrony of events across major pilgrimage sites during this festival.
Looking forward to sustaining order and ensuring safety, Maha Kumbh officials are working tirelessly as preparations culminate for the remaining major bathing days to follow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit on February 5 adds another layer of attention to the festival's proceedings.
The Maha Kumbh Mela continues to be not just about faith and ritual but also about the human experience, drawing millions to seek meaning and warmth amid their devotion. The events of the past week reinforce the resilience and spirit of those assembled, seeking peace through sacred water.