National

Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 1.65 Million Devotees Take Holy Dip for ‘Amrit Snan’ on Basant Panchami

Published

1 year ago

February 3, 2025

As of 4 AM on Monday, over 1.65 million devotees participated in the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, marking the commencement of the third ‘Amrit Snan’ in celebration of Basant Panchami, according to officials. The sacred bathing ritual began with Naga Sadhus taking their plunge at the ghats and is a significant event within the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
“The Amrit Snan has begun at the ghats with Naga Sadhus, showcasing the faith and devotion of pilgrims. The banks of the Triveni continue to resonate with ancient Indian culture and traditions,” stated the Maha Kumbh administration in a post on X.
As of February 3, the Uttar Pradesh Information Department reported that over 340 million (34 crore) devotees have engaged in the sacred bathing ritual since the Maha Kumbh Mela kicked off on January 13. Additionally, the number of Kalpwasis—devotees undertaking month-long spiritual austerities—has surpassed 1 million, enriching the spiritual atmosphere.
A significant number of devotees flocked to Prayagraj early Monday to take a holy dip in the River Ganga and pay homage to Maa Saraswati on Basant Panchami.

A considerable influx of pilgrims was noted at Prayagraj junction as the city prepared to host the auspicious Amrit Snan on February 3, coinciding with Basant Panchami. This event, part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, attracts pilgrims nationwide eager to immerse themselves in the Ganges.
The holy city welcomed devotees from various regions, many of whom also engaged in charitable deeds and rituals. Basant Panchami is believed to mark the birth of Maa Saraswati, making a dip in the Ganga on this significant day particularly meaningful.
Regarding the preparations for today’s Amrit Snan, Additional Mela Adhikari Vivek Chaturvedi commented, “Today we celebrate the ‘Amrit Snan’ for Basant Panchami, with processions from Mahanirvani Akhara and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara heading towards the Sangam ghat. Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of all devotees.”
Different akhadas’ Mahamandleshwars initiated their processions for the third ‘Amrit Snan’ of Maha Kumbh 2025. Police personnel also participated in prayers as Saints and Naga Sadhus made their way to Triveni Sangam.
Basant Panchami, also recognized as Vasant Panchami, Shri Panchami, and Saraswati Panchami, marks the first day of spring and occurs on the fifth day of the Magha month. The festival also signals the beginning of Holi preparations that take place 40 days later, honoring Maa Saraswati, the goddess of learning, music, and the arts.
The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented extensive arrangements in Prayagraj for this occasion, receiving praises from devotees for their effective measures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.
The Kumbh Command and Control Centre is overseeing operations during the Amrit Snan for Basant Panchami, monitoring 25 sectors and 30 pontoon bridges, with over 3,000 CCTV cameras installed across the city and Mela area to enhance security and management.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, launched on January 13, is set to continue until February 26 and has already drawn millions of devotees from around India and beyond, with expectations of record-breaking attendance and participation.

Related Topics:amritsnan basantpanchami Mahakumbh

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National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.