Tag: allahabad kumbh mela 2019

The Prayagraj Kumbh mela, the grand congregation of Hindu devotees that takes place four times over a course of 12 years, begins today. The festivities commenced with the ‘shahi snan’ or the holy dip with sadhus from 13 akhadas (tent) taking a dip in the rivers along where the mela takes place. The ritual of Shahi Snan dates back to centuries. It is believed that the tradition of a Shahi Snan meaning a royal dip, began during the 14th-16th century. Today, millions of pilgrims, plunged themselves into the cold waters during the first Shahi Snan, that began at around 4am. ... Read more