Shahi Snan to take place tomorrow

Allahabad, Jan 18 (UNI) The most auspicious '' shahi snan'' of ardh kumbh mela will take place tomorrow on the occasion of mauni amavasya.

Mauni Amavasya is the most auspicious bathing festival during the month-long mela.

The mahamandaleshwars of various akharas seated on gilded chariots and planquins will lead their disciples and reach Sangam in the early hours of the morning for bathing rituals.

Naked naga sadhus will arrive at Sangam and plunge into the cold waters of the Ganga amid the chanting of hymns. The Sadhus will return to their respective tents after the holy DLP.

Hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of the country are pouring in to the mela areas arriving by trains, buses, jeeps and other means of transport for the big event. About 1.5 million people including saints, mahatmas and Kalpvasis are already staying in the mela area.

About 20,000 security personnel including jawans of the CRPF, BSF, PAC besides bomb disposal squads sniffer dogs and water police have been deployed in the mela area.

At least 29 colour television sets installed in various locations of the mela are keeping a close watch on the rush of the people, and check anti-social elements.

UNI