Prayagraj, Feb 11: Over 10 million pilgrims, took a holy bath at Sangam, the confluence of sacred river Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on the occasion of the third and last auspicious bathing day of Basant Panchami on Sunday.
On Saturday around 5 million took the dip in Sangam.
The Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti, the first bathing day, and the Mahashivratri on March 4 will mark its last bathing day. Till date over 140 million people have taken a dip.
The holy bath for the Basant Panchami, began with the Shahi Snan (royal bath) before dawn. The authorities are expecting around 20 million to have a dip in the Sangam during the day.
The royal procession of the 13 Akhara began well after midnight with sadhus, saints and the Mahamandeleshwar with Mahanirvanis taking the lead.
Gilded chariots and palanquins carrying the Mahamandeleshwars of the respective Akhara were the cynosure of all eyes.
The Nagar sadhus and Sanyasi–welding tridents, swords and spears–took holy bath rituals without any hindrance.
For the first time several hundred Naga Sadhus who were given Diksha in this Kumbh took the dip with their respective Naga head’s of the Akhara.
Before the sunrise the periphery of Sangam was sparkling with lights of varied hues with scores of people at Ghats. In the morning, a chopper also showered flower petals on the pilgrims bathing in Sangam.
Enchanting scene were witnessed when pilgrims foreheads smeared with Holy ashes, Kumkum and Sandalwood paste performed Ganga Pujan after the taking a bath and gave alms to beggars and proceeded to various temples in the Mela area .
According to mythology, taking a bath in and around 20 km radius of Prayagraj on this day, is considered to be auspicious.
State director general of Police (DGP) O P Singh, who is personally monitoring the Kumbh told UNI that holy festival was commencing peaceful with no untoward incident reported.
