National
Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 1.65 Million Devotees Take Holy Dip for ‘Amrit Snan’ on Basant Panchami
“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.
National
MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
National
8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
National
75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
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