On the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, more than 57.1 million devotees took a holy dip in the Triveni waters today, according to an official statement from the Uttar Pradesh Information Department.
The ongoing religious event has drawn an immense display of faith, with millions gathering at the Triveni Sangam to mark this auspicious day of spiritual cleansing and devotion.
Over 1 million Kalpwasis, who observe month-long spiritual austerities, have joined the pilgrimage, adding to the fervour of the occasion. The total footfall for the ongoing Magh Mela has now surpassed 199.4 million. However, a stampede-like situation briefly emerged due to the overwhelming rush at key bathing ghats.
Earlier in the day, members of Akharas gathered in small numbers at Triveni Sangam for an 'Amrit Snan' on Mauni Amavasya.
Digambar Naga Baba Chidanand Puri of Panchayati Niranjani Akhara, speaking to ANI after his Amrit Snan, said that following the stampede-like situation, members of Niranjani Akhara were arriving in smaller groups for the holy dip.
"Due to an unexpected incident today, our (Akhara's) shobha yatra could not take place. We are now coming in smaller numbers for the holy dip," said Digambar Naga Baba.
The situation arose in the early hours of Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where millions of devotees had gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers for the auspicious Mauni Amavasya, which also marks the Second Shahi Snan.
In response, heavy security has been deployed at Triveni Sangam, with police ensuring a smooth passage for Akharas and saints performing the Amrit Snan.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government, by 10 AM on Wednesday, 36.1 million devotees had already taken a holy dip at Triveni.
Other key bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include 3 February (Basant Panchami), 12 February (Maghi Purnima), and 26 February (Maha Shivaratri).
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