Makar Sankranti 2019: Smriti Irani Takes Holy Dip in River Ganga During Shahi Snan at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj; View Pic

Prayagraj, January 15: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and marking the onset of the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday, scores of devotees took a holy dip at the Sangam- the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. Union minister Smriti Irani was one of the first VIP pilgrims to take a holy dip during the Shahi Snan on Tuesday. Irani took to Twitter and posted a photo taking a dip at the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019.  Kumbh Mela 2019 Opens: Devotees Take Holy Dip in Ganga and Yamuna on Occasion of Makar Sankranti.

The "Shahi Snan" is considered as the most significant event of the Kumbh Mela. In the wake of the eight-week festival at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged devotees to participate in the event to witness India's spiritual, cultural and social diversities. According to reports, authorities expect up to 150 million people, including a million foreign visitors, to bathe at the Sangam. Kumbh Mela 2019: Who Are The Naga Sadhus and Where Do They Come From?

Take a look at the tweet:

The Kumbh Mela is held every six years, while the Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years. Security has been beefed up in Prayagraj and police personnel have been deployed at all entry and exit points of these bridges to maintain law and order. Moreover,  pontoon bridges have been constructed to lead the visitors to the 5-km bathing ghat at Sangam.

This year, the Kumbh Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti which will be the first bathing day. Mahashivratri on March 4 will mark the last bathing day. Pilgrims from across the world will arrive in Prayagraj to take spiritual-cleansing dips in the Sangam.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2019 09:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).