People from across the globe are reaching Prayagraj to witness the sacred Mahakumbh festival. As of February 1, over 33.61 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Sangam, according to the Uttar Pradesh government. The first Amrit Snan took place on Makar Sankranti, January 14, and the second Amrit Snan occurred on Mauni Amavasya, January 29.

A stampede broke out during the second holy dip, as the event saw an overwhelming surge of devotees. Reports claim that at least 30 people lost their lives in the tragic incident. 

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Next Amrit Snan on Basant Panchmi

According to the Hindu calendar, Vasant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. This year, the festival of Vasant Panchami will begin at 9:14 AM on February 2 and end at 6:52 AM on February 3. However, keeping the Udaya Tithi in mind, the fast and worship for Vasant Panchami will be observed on February 2. 

On this day, a special Amrit Snan will be held at the Mahakumbh, which will take place on February 3 during Brahma Muhurat. The auspicious time for the holy dip on this day will be from 5:23 AM to 6:16 AM. It is believed that bathing in the Sangam during this time brings immense virtue and washes away all sins.

What is Amrit Snan?

Amrit Snan during the Mahakumbh is a sacred dip taken on auspicious dates, determined by the alignment of the planets, the Sun, and the Moon. It is believed that bathing in the Sangam during this time brings immense virtue and washes away all sins.

Traditionally, this ritual bath has been referred to as the shahi snan or royal bath. However, starting this year, the bath is being called Amrit Snan. This change is seen as more in line with Hindu religious beliefs, as it is believed that the Kumbh is celebrated at the four locations where the amrit, or nectar of immortality, spilled after the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean.

Important Dates For Amrit Snan

This time, there will be a total of 6 Amrit Snans during the Mahakumbh 2025, with the first bath already taken on Poush Purnima, January 13. The second royal bath was held on January 14, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The third bath took place on January 29, during Mauni Amavasya, and the fourth royal bath will be held on February 2, on Vasant Panchami. 

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Additionally, the last two royal baths will take place on February 12, on Magha Purnima, and on February 26, during Maha Shivaratri.