Prayagraj, January 15: Kumbh Mela 2019 commenced with the Shahi Snan of various Akharas at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. Sadhus of 13 Akharas took the holy dip on the first day of Kumbh Mela, a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated by Hindus four times over a course of 12 years. Doordarshan or DD National is hosting live streaming of Kumbh Mela 2019. Scroll down to watch the live telecast of Kumbh Mela from Prayagraj on Doordarshan.

According to the Prayagraj Mela Authority, over 12 million pilgrims will take the Shahi Snan at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati through the day. The bathing ritual is one of the most significant rituals performed at Kumbh Mela. Performing this sacred ritual is in accordance with the belief that by submerging oneself in the holy waters, one is purged of all their sins, release themselves and their ancestors from the cycle of rebirth and ultimate attainment of Moksha. Kumbh Mela 2019: Who Are The Naga Sadhus and Where Do They Come From?

Massive arrangements have been made by Kumbh Mela administration for peaceful bathing and elaborate security arrangements are also in place for processions of Akharas from their camps to bathing ghats for Shahi bathing. The administration has banned on the entry of vehicles into Kumbh Mela area. An estimated 13-140 million people are expected to visit Kumbh Mela till  March 4, making it the largest human congregation in the world.

Watch Live Streaming of Shahi Snan by Akharas at Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj:

As many as 1.22 lakh toilets in line with the theme of Swachh Kumbh, Surakshit Kumbh have been set up for visitors of Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela will end on March 4. Live broadcast and telecast of all three Shahi Snan of Akharas on Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amasya on February 4 and Basant Panchami on February 10 will be made by both Doordarshan and AIR on national hookup.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2019 08:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).