Prayagraj, February 3: Mauni Amavasya, the day when the second shahi snan (royal bathing) of Kumbh 2019 will take place is falling on February 4, this year. Incidentally, it is also a Monday, which only adds to the sacredness of Mauni Amavasya. More than one crore are expected to take bath at Prayagraj on Monday. Baba Ramdev Helps Naga Sadhus Quit Smoking 'Chillams' at Kumbh 2019, Says 'Ram & Krishna Never Smoked in Their Life'.

The fact that Mauni Amavasya is falling on Monday, is an occasion of immense importance and sacredness for devotees. Interestingly, this is the first time in 27 years that Mauni Amavasya is falling on a Monday. The last time this happened was on February 3, 1992. Instagram Shares a Picture From Kumbh Mela 2019 For Its Weekly Feature and Its Spectacular.

Mauni Amavasya is also known as "Maagh Maas ki amavasya." This year, the amavasya begins on February 3 at 11. 12 pm and will last till February 5, 1.12 am. Pooja and aartis (devotional rituals) have already begun at the holy place of Sangam (the unification of holy river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati).

According to the folklore, when the samundra manthan (river churning) was done by the devtas (gods) and the asuras (demons) for the amrit (immortality elixir or nectar), some of the amrit got sprinkled over Prayagraj (Allahabad), Nashik, Haridwar and Ujjain and hence the Kumbh is observed at these places.

The day marks the second and the biggest Shahi Snan (royal bath) of this big event with many akharas taking bath at the Sangam. Religious discourses and services are held daily, and it is said that the worshippers eat only one meal a day or restrict their diet to fruit or milk. Many devotees also observe a complete silence on this day as the event name suggests. Taking bath and following rituals in one of the sacred months is considered a purifying act.

The 55-day event that started with the Makar Sankranti on January 14 is estimated to draw millions of devotees in attendance in the coming days. The third and final royal bath is to be held on Basant Panchami to be held in the month of February. Every year the gathering wears a festive look with devotees performing rituals. The atmosphere is eccentric with bhajans and non-stop announcements regarding various happenings at the place.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 03, 2019 10:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).