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20 million take dip at Kumbh Mela

Over 20 million people bathed on Mauni Amavasya, considered the most auspicious of the 42 days of the Kumbh Mela.

Men, women and children swarmed on the 6,000 acres of the banks of the Ganga. Mauni Amavasya occurred after 144 years, which is why Wednesday's bath attracted record crowds.

Mela administrator Jeevesh Nandan told rediff.com, "This is the largest assembly of people ever witnessed and unlikely to be seen until the next Kumbh, in its 12-yearly cycle."

This was the second of the three Shahi Snans during the Kumbh Mela. January 14 marked the first Shahi Snan; the third Shahi Snan will occur on January 29.

Hindu Akharas from different parts of the country and allied religious congregations bathe during the Shahi Snan.

The Shahi Snan began at 0515 hours on Wednesday, with the Mahanirvani Akhara leading a colourful procession.

Sadhus on flower-bedecked elephants and makeshift chariots made from tractors arrived from their camps. The Juna Akhara, with a sizeable chunk of Naga sadhus, drew the most attention. With swords flashing and dancing, its sadhus charged into the Sangam. They splashed water and rubbed sand on their bodies before marching back to their camps.

Photography at the bathing ghat is banned following a high court order, which took cognisance of objections, particular from naked Naga sadhus.

The Kumbh Mela: The Complete Coverage

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