Maha Kumbh 2025: 10 crore devotees to take 'Amrit Snan' on Mauni Amavasya. The significance explained

Devotees from across the country and beyond have begun arriving in Prayagraj to take part in the sacred dip at the Maha Kumbh. Taking place on the holy banks of the Sangam after 144 years, this Maha Kumbh holds immense spiritual significance.

Throughout the festival, certain bathing dates are considered especially sacred. While the first Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh has already been observed, the second Amrit Snan is set to take place on January 29th, on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

According to reports, an estimated 10 crore pilgrims are expected to visit the Maha Kumbh on this single day for Amrit Snan, making it one of the most significant days in the Hindu religion.

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But what makes Mauni Amavasya and the ‘Amrit Snan’ so special? What are the arrangements in place? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Amrit Snan at Kumbh mela?

The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, takes place every 12 years at four sacred locations in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, and Ujjain at the banks of
Triveni Sangam, Ganga, Godavari and Kshipra rivers respectively.

It is believed that bathing in these sacred rivers during the Kumbh purifies the soul and washes away sins, offering spiritual liberation.

While the entire Kumbh period is considered holy, certain dates hold special significance based on the alignment of celestial bodies, including the Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter. It is said that during this day, the spiritual power of the sacred rivers is enhanced.

On these auspicious days, millions of pilgrims gather at the riverbanks to take a ritual dip, seeking divine blessings and renewal. According to data, approximately 1.5 crore devotees took a dip at first Amrit Snan in Maha Kumbh.

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Another key feature of the sacred mela is the participation of sadhus, or ascetics, who come as part of various akharas (monastic orders). These ascetics are regarded as spiritual royalty during the festival and are granted the honour of performing the first ritual bath, known as the shahi snan or royal bath.

Their grand processions to the river, accompanied by chants, music, and an air of celebration, create one of the most iconic spectacles of the Kumbh.

This year, the shahi snan has been renamed ‘Amrit Snan’ to align more closely with Hindu mythology.
According to legend, the Kumbh Mela commemorates the celestial event of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean by gods and demons to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrit). It is believed that during the divine chase for the urn of nectar, a few drops spilled at the four locations where the Kumbh Mela is now held.

What is the significance of Mauni Amavasya?

Mauni Amavasya, observed on the new moon day of the Magha month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is a day dedicated to silence, self-reflection, and spiritual growth.

The name ‘Mauni’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘mauna,’ meaning silence, symbolising the practice of observing silence to attain inner peace and clarity.

It is believed that performing rituals to honour one’s ancestors on this auspicious day brings blessings, happiness, and relief from Pitru Dosha, an ancestral karmic imbalance. This makes it a significant occasion for seeking ancestral forgiveness and spiritual harmony.

Additionally, acts of charity, such as feeding the underprivileged or donating to temples, are highly encouraged, as they are thought to bring spiritual merit and divine blessings.

What is the best time for Muani Amavasya Amrit Snan?

According to Times Now report, the most auspicious time for a holy dip in rivers, or for performing charitable acts, is during the Brahma Muhurta, which starts at 5:25 am and ends at 6:19 am. However, if this time is missed, these activities can still be performed anytime between sunrise and sunset.

It is important to note that Rahu Kaal, considered an inauspicious period in Hindu traditions, will occur from 11:34 am to 1:55 pm on this day. It is advised to avoid taking a holy dip or engaging in other auspicious activities during this time to ensure the rituals retain their spiritual significance.

Arrangements for Mauni Amavasya

Anticipating the massive influx of devotees, authorities have implemented extensive measures to ensure safety and order.

Since the last few days, the Maha Kumbh Mela area has been declared a ‘no-vehicle zone’.

Visitors are required to park their vehicles in designated areas outside the fairgrounds. To ease traffic congestion, the Prayagraj administration has urged local residents to avoid using four-wheelers and to opt for two-wheelers only when accompanying senior citizens to the Sangam.

According to News18, handcarts have been made available to transport devotees within the Mela premises. This service, accessible in Sector-2 of the grounds, charges approximately Rs 100 per individual.

To facilitate seamless navigation, over 2,000 new signages have been installed across the venue to guide devotees in the right direction. Adding to the festive spirit, the state government has announced plans to shower flower petals from helicopters, marking the occasion with grandeur.

Advanced technologies , are also being employed to manage the massive gathering. Facial recognition systems and AI-based crowd management tools are in operation to ensure safety. Thousands of CCTV cameras and underwater drones provide real-time surveillance, while multilingual chatbots are available to assist pilgrims with information and guidance.

With input from agencies