Allahabad: All roads led to Sangam city where devotees gathered ahead the third and the final shahi snan on Basant Panchami, falling Sunday, during which over two crore people are expected to take a holy dip at the Kumbh Mela. The fest of Basant Panchami heralds the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Allahabad Mayor Abhilasha Gupta Nandi told PTI, “Basant Panchami is the third and last shahi snaan of the Kumbh. By taking three dips on this day, a devotee gets the blessings of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Hence, it holds tremendous significance for people.””
Kumbh Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand on Saturday said more than two crore people from different walks of life are likely to arrive here to take a dip on the occasion of Basant Panchami.Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad chief Narendra Giri said there were three shahi snans or royal baths and three parv snans during the Kumbh.
The Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti, the first bathing day, and the Mahashivratri on March 4 will mark its last bathing day. “Shahi snan is the central highlight of the Kumbh Mela and the most important part of the celebration. It is only after the completion of shahi snan people are allowed to take the holy dip.”
