At the first Shahi Snan at the Kumbh Mela, Naga Sadhus - who get the first right to take a dip at the confluence of the holy rivers - queue up for their turn to immerse themselves in the Divine. (Photo: Raj Chengappa)
The sacred baths began at the break of dawn as the sun rose over the horizon and went on through the day till the last rays set over the 'Sangam'. The chants of Har Har Gange reached a crescendo as around 1.4 crore people took the holy dip to mark the beginning of the 50-day-long Kumbh Mela on Tuesday.
Sadhus of 13 akharas (seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh) were the first to take the holy bath followed by the devotees.
Union minister Smriti Irani and BJP lawmaker from Unnao, Sakshi Maharaj, were also present at the event. Speaking to India Today TV, Sakshi Maharaj said, "This is the biggest Kumbh Mela where many foreigners take part. The arrangements made for the devotees are commendable, and the credit goes to the government." Anna Hermina from the Netherlands told India Today TV, "Such a huge gathering is incredible and this shows the unity among the people across the country. I wanted to come here during the mela for the last 20 years but couldn't. Now, I'm finally here!"
The biggest attraction for the devotees was a chopper that showered flower petals for more than two hours during 'Sangam'. This year, the Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the 'Kumbh', making the fair perhaps the costliest ever. Around 12 crore people are expected to attend the mela this year.
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