Heavy Traffic at Maha Kumbh: On February 12, 2025, the sacred Royal Bath (Shahi Snan) will take place at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Devotees from across the world are arriving in large numbers, causing severe traffic congestion in the city. Due to the rising crowd, reaching the Sangam Ghat has become extremely difficult. However, if you are unable to travel, there are ways to attain spiritual merits similar to a royal bath at home.
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What is a Shahi Snan?
Heavy Traffic at Maha Kumbh: Heavy Traffic at Maha Kumbh: A Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) is a holy dip performed on special dates during the Maha Kumbh. The last royal bath took place on February 3 (Basant Panchami), after which the crowd had slightly reduced. However, due to Magh Purnima’s significance, the number of devotees has surged once again.
The heavy footfall has led to major traffic restrictions in Prayagraj. Several roads have been diverted, and all four-wheeler vehicles from outside are being stopped at the city’s border. The Mela area has been declared a No-Vehicle Zone, making it extremely challenging for visitors to reach the Sangam.
Significance of Magh Purnima Snan
Heavy Traffic at Maha Kumbh: Bathing at the Sangam on Magh Purnima holds immense religious importance. This day is believed to purify the body and soul, granting divine blessings. But if you are unable to visit Prayagraj, scriptures suggest alternative ways to perform a sacred bath at home while receiving similar spiritual benefits.
How to Perform a Holy Bath at Home?
If you cannot travel to Maha Kumbh due to traffic congestion, don’t worry! You can perform a sacred bath in the following ways:
- Bath in a Nearby River: If possible, take a dip in a local river or any holy water body.
- Ganga Jal in Bath Water: If a river bath isn’t feasible, add Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges) to your bathing water at home.
- Chanting Sacred Mantra: While bathing, recite the mantra:
“Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati,
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru.”
This invokes the presence of sacred rivers, making the bath spiritually significant. - Take Five Dips: Scriptures suggest that a Shahi Snan is considered complete after five dips in the holy waters. If bathing in a river, ensure you immerse yourself five times.
- Avoid Soap and Shampoo: Keep the bath natural and free from any chemical products like soaps and shampoos.
- Offer Water to the Sun: After the bath, offer Arghya (water) to the Sun, as it is considered highly auspicious on this day.
- Practice Charity and Fasting: Donating to the needy, observing a fast, or at least consuming sattvic food (pure vegetarian meal) enhances the spiritual benefits of the bath.
Tata’s BigBasket Now Delivering Sacred Sangam Water
Heavy Traffic at Maha Kumbh: Recently, Tata Group’s BigBasket app has started delivering holy water from the Triveni Sangam to households. This initiative allows devotees to perform rituals at home with sacred water from Maha Kumbh.
Magh Purnima Snan Timings (2025)
- Magh Purnima Date Start: February 11, 6:55 PM
- Magh Purnima Date Ends: February 12, 7:22 PM
- Best Time for Bathing: February 12, between 5:19 AM – 6:10 AM
By following these simple steps, even if you cannot visit Prayagraj, you can still experience the spiritual benefits of the royal bath from your home.
Also Read: Get Sangam Water From Big Basket, If Unable To Go To Maha Kumbh
