Click to play videoNew Delhi: Braving the winter chill, the pilgrims gathered at the Ardh Kumbh in Allahabad had already taken a holy dip in the river Ganga on the occasion of Makar Sakranti festival on Sunday.
However, the ‘Shahi Snan’ that is also the second Shahi Snan, made a more colourful start on Monday morning, with the Mahanirvani Akhada or congregation taking the first dip amid tight security.
The procession of Akhadas reached the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuman and the mythical Sarawasti at 6:15 am (IST) and took the dip for about 45 minutes.
The Naga Sadhus or the ash-smeared warrior ascetics carrying traditional weapons did not fail to attract attention, as they played devotional tunes on musical instruments.
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| ALL SET: Nearly eight lakhs of ascetics, who were camping at the mela site, took part in the Shahi Snan. |
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| COOL DIP: The pilgrims gathered at the Ardh Kumbh took the holy dip in the Ganga braving the winter chill. |
The Niranjani and Anand Akhadas both of whose members reached the ghats at around 7:00 am (IST) followed them.
The Naga ascetics of the Joona, Awahan and Agnirin, all of who were allotted 40 minutes for their bath also took part in the ritual.
The Awahan had actually decided not take part in the Shahi Snan over differences with the Joona, but joined the bath after they were sorted out.
Security had been beefed up for along the procession routes and the bathing sites. And the access to the ‘Sangam’ from the side of the Ganga was reserved for the nearly eight lakhs of ascetics, who were camping at the mela site.
(With inputs from agencies)
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