Millions of pilgrims thronged the meeting point of three rivers named Triveni Sangam in north India's Prayagraj city for the third Amrit Snan (an auspicious bathing ritual followed by Hindus) of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela or Great Pitcher Festival on Monday.

The bathing ritual on Monday is considered sacred by Hindus since the community is celebrating the Basant Panchami (a ceremony when devotees worship Goddess Saraswati).

Driven by their deep faith, devotees started arriving at the banks of the Triveni Sangam (the meeting point of Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati) late Monday night.

Under the special directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, security was heightened for the bathing tradition to ensure the safety of pilgrims, specially after 30 people died during a stampede incident during the festival last week.

Senior officials, including the DIG and SSP, monitored the arrangements on the ground to prevent any mishap from occurring.

Along with millions of devotees, sadhus, saints, Mahamandaleshwars, and pilgrims from across India and abroad took a sacred dip in the holy Sangam.

Wishing pilgrims on Basant Panchami, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote on X: "Heartiest congratulations to revered saints, religious leaders, all Akharas, Kalpvasis and devotees who earned virtue by taking the holy Amrit bath at the sacred Triveni Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami in Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj!"

Stampede

At least 30 people died in a stampede during the bathing ceremony on January 29.

The mishap occurred when a large number of devotees were trying to reach the holy meeting point of three rivers called Sangam for bathing, considered a pious ceremony by Hindu devotees.

According to police, a surge in devotees caused a barrier to break, triggering the fatal chaos, reported Hindustan Times.