The ‘Shahi Snan’ commenced the world’s largest congregation, the 2019 Kumbh Mela on Tuesday. Between now and March 2019, over 12 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela in the city of Prayagraj
The world’s largest human congregation was commenced on Tuesday with several sages or ‘sadhus’ from across India taking the first ‘Shahi Snan’, followed by a holy dip in the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati (mythical). The confluence of the three Indian rivers is known as ‘Triveni Sangam’ or ‘Sangam’. Over a hundred and twenty million people are expected attend the Kumbh Mela in the Indian city of Allahabad or Prayagraj between now and March, 2019.
The ‘Shahi Snan’, a compulsory activity prior to taking the holy dip in the Sangam, began close to 5:00 am on Tuesday morning. The Indian government has assigned a 4200 billion INR budget for this year’s Ardh Kumbh Mela. Security measures across Prayagraj are a major priority during the world’s largest congregation, with all government departments in the city working towards ensuring the safety of pilgrims.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi expressed his well wishes for the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday through Twitter. The Prime Minister asserted that he was hoping to see people from across the country and around the world attend the great Indian event. He also posted a video of the Kumbh Mela that encapsulated the festivities and religious value of the event, inviting everyone to join the grand congregation.
India’s Union Minister, Smriti Irani also shared a picture of herself taking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.
