Defying the freezing cold, devotees filled with energy and enthusiasm gathered at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” “Jai Shri Ram,” and “Jai Ganga Maiyya” echoed as devotees immersed themselves in the icy waters.

“It was my first time taking a dip in the Sangam. Afterward, I felt truly refreshed,” said Nibar Chaudhary, a resident of Basti district in Uttar Pradesh. The 62-year-old was accompanied by two individuals as he made his way to the Sangam to take the holy dip.

Shivram Verma, who accompanied Chaudhary, shared that his experience was positive, noting that the administration had made proper arrangements for the devotees.

Nancy, a resident of Lucknow who was visiting for the first time, expressed similar thoughts. “My experience at the Maha Kumbh has been wonderful so far,” she said.

Abhishek, a resident of the neighboring Fatehpur district, shared that his “overall experience was positive” and mentioned that he “did not encounter any issues.”

Vijay Katheria, a resident of Kanpur, praised the security measures at the Maha Kumbh. “My experience was excellent. The safety arrangements for devotees were well-organized, and an adequate police presence was maintained for security,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, seers from various ‘akharas’ participated in the first ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh, marking the occasion of ‘Makar Sankranti’. Approximately 3.5 crore devotees took a dip at the Triveni Sangam on this auspicious day.

At the forefront of most akharas were ash-covered Naga sadhus, who captivated the onlookers with their expertise in traditional weaponry.

From skillfully wielding spears and swords to energetically playing the ‘damru,’ their displays were a vivid celebration of ancient traditions, according to an official statement.

Alongside the male Naga sadhus, a significant number of female Naga ascetics were also present.