PRAYAGRAJ, INDIA, January 15, 2019 (Times Now News): The much-anticipated Kumbh Mela 2019 at Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) commenced on January 15 and will go on till March 4. Hindu devotees from across the world have congregated at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna to take the holy dip. The Ardhra Kumbh Mela is held every six years, while the Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years. This time around, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the Mela, that attracts millions of devotees from across the country and the globe, is equipped with modern facilities and security measures.
Kumbh is regarded as the world’s largest religious festival, which sees the participation of sadhus and devotees of all caste and creed. The Mela was included in the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2017. Devotees consider it auspicious to take a dip at the holy confluence of Ganga and Yamuna at the Kumbh Mela. Around 120 million devotees and tourists are expected to visit Prayagraj during the Kumbh. The state government has ensured that massive security arrangements were in place to tackle any kind of untoward situation. The First Royal Bathing or Shahi Snan of Akharas is one the main highlights at the Kumbh. The first bathing festival of Makar Sankranti takes place on January 15 at the confluence or sangam of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. A huge number of saints seers and their disciples participate in the Shahi Snan. People are allowed to take a dip at the sangam after the shahi snan is completed.
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