Ardh Kumbh mela: Last shahi snan gets underway

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Jan 23: The last shahi snan (royal bathing) of the month-long Ardh Kumbh got underway here today at 'Sangam', the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, on the occasion of Basant Panchami.

The royal procession of sadhus, sants and mahamandaleshwars of Akharas began at around 0515 hrs. The mahamandaleshwars of various Akharas sitting in gilded chariots and palanquins and Naga Sanyasis wielding tridents, swords and spears were the cynosure of all eyes.

Meanwhile, Awahan Akhara boycotted the third shahi snan today also.

Basant Panchami snan marks the end of the three shahi snans of the millennium's first Ardh Kumbh.

With today's shahi snan the Akharas and prominent sadhus will leave for their destinations.

The Basant Panchami also marks the start of Basant (spring) season. The first shahi snan had taken place on Makar Sankranti (January 15) and the second on Mauni Amavasya (January 19). Remaining two bathings of the kumbh will take place on February 2.

UNI