The Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced with the first ‘Amrit Snan’ on Makar Sankranti, marked by the participation of Naga sadhus from the Niranjani and Anand Akharas. Spiritual leaders Acharya Mandleswar Balkanand Ji Maharaj and Surendra Giri Ji Maharaj led the Anand Akhara processions, while Swami Kailashanand Giri led the Niranjani Akhara’s contingent to the holy Triveni Sangam for the sacred bath.

Renowned for their emphasis on spiritual discipline, Niranjani Akhara focuses on yoga, meditation, and self-realization. Anand Akhara, which worships Suryanarayana, the Sun God, is known for its role in promoting Hindu scriptures and martial arts education.

Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj of Anand Akhara shared his joy at witnessing the grand event. “Nothing is bigger than this (Maha Kumbh). Those who come here are truly fortunate. Being present here brings unparalleled peace and joy. Our saints and scriptures have always emphasized world peace,” he said.

The significance of Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years at four sacred locations in India. This year, the Poorna Kumbh, continuing until February 26, 2025, will feature several auspicious bathing dates, including:

• January 14: Makar Sankranti – First Shahi Snan
• January 29: Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan
• February 3: Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan
• February 12: Maghi Purnima
• February 26: Maha Shivaratri

The 13 akharas participating in Maha Kumbh include three main groups—Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav), and Udaseen. These akharas come together to uphold the traditions of Sanatan Dharma through yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice.

The first ‘Amrit Snan’ symbolizes purity and the renewal of faith, drawing millions of devotees and spiritual leaders alike. As the sacred event unfolds, pilgrims and sadhus immerse themselves in the spiritual significance of this timeless tradition.

A peaceful gathering
For devotees and spiritual leaders, Maha Kumbh represents a beacon of unity and peace. The holy dip at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual liberation.

With its rich heritage and profound spiritual essence, Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to remain a cherished event, drawing seekers from across the world.

On Tuesday, thousands of devotees across India gathered along the banks of the Ganga and other holy rivers to celebrate Makar Sankranti, a festival marking the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and the start of the auspicious period of Uttarayan.

From the ghats of Kolkata’s Babughat to Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri and Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, the faithful braved the chilly weather to take ritualistic holy dips and offer prayers.

In West Bengal, the serene Babughat saw large numbers of worshippers performing rituals and taking a sacred dip in the Ganga. Similarly, the bustling ghats of Varanasi and Patna were filled with families, including children, embracing traditional customs with enthusiasm despite the biting cold.

At Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, devotees performed the Ganga snan (holy bath) to mark the occasion. In Rajasthan, prayers were offered at Jaipur’s renowned Balaji temple. Bihar’s Ganga Ghat in Patna also witnessed thousands of visitors, many accompanied by their children and elders, braving the cold waters with faith and devotion.

Vijaya Laxmi, a devotee celebrating in Patna, expressed her joy, saying, “May we continue to celebrate Makar Sankranti joyously every year, and may everyone’s wishes come true.” She highlighted the inspiring strength of faith that motivates people to endure the cold.

The event coincided with the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj, where sadhus of the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada led the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 14, marks the Sun’s movement from Sagittarius into Capricorn, signifying a shift in cosmic energy. The festival holds immense spiritual significance, with bathing in sacred rivers believed to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings.

Charity and devotion are central to Makar Sankranti celebrations. People also prepare traditional dishes like sesame-jaggery laddus and khichdi, adding flavor to the festivities. Kite flying, a popular activity symbolizing joy and vibrancy, remains a cherished custom in many regions.

Celebrated under various names across India, including Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, and Maghi in Punjab, Makar Sankranti unites the nation with its shared values of faith, gratitude, and joy.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has defended its decision to not implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana, stating that residents of Delhi already benefit from superior healthcare schemes. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court in response to a petition by seven BJP MPs, dismissing the move as a politically motivated attempt ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly elections.

The BJP MPs’ petition sought the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship initiative by the central government providing medical insurance. However, Bharadwaj argued that implementing the central scheme would result in a downgrade of the healthcare benefits currently available to Delhi residents.

In his affidavit, Bharadwaj claimed, “The petitioners are political persons, belonging to the principal opposition party in Delhi. This so-called public interest litigation is nothing but a political strategy in view of the upcoming elections.” He further criticized the petition for failing to compare the Centre’s scheme with Delhi’s policies, arguing that such a comparison would reveal the superiority of the state schemes.

The Delhi minister emphasized that substituting the current schemes with Ayushman Bharat would disadvantage the capital’s residents. He stated that healthcare policymaking falls under the state government’s jurisdiction and that courts should not interfere in policy formulation.

“Outdated data undermines Ayushman Bharat”
Bharadwaj also questioned the Centre’s use of 2011 Census data as the basis for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Calling the data “old and archaic,” he highlighted that it fails to address the evolving needs of society. “Many people currently receiving free medical services under Delhi’s schemes would be excluded from benefits if the outdated data is applied,” he noted.

The minister reiterated that Delhi’s existing healthcare initiatives are more inclusive and provide comprehensive coverage compared to Ayushman Bharat. He stressed the importance of tailored policies that cater to the city’s unique demographic and economic conditions.

BJP hits back
Responding to AAP’s claims, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj accused the Delhi government of showing no willingness to collaborate on implementing the central scheme. She clarified that Ayushman Bharat was not intended to replace state schemes but to complement them, ensuring wider healthcare coverage.

The clash highlights the ongoing tension between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led Centre, with both parties accusing each other of prioritizing political agendas over public welfare. As the debate unfolds, the court’s decision on the petition will determine the next steps for healthcare in the national capital.