Maha Kumbh Gets Sanatani Spin As Shahi Snan Makes Way For Rajasi, Amrit Snans - News18

Maha Kumbh Gets Sanatani Spin As Shahi Snan Makes Way For Rajasi, Amrit Snans - News18

Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga river at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. (PTI Photo)

Maha Kumbh 2025 stands out as a historic event, not only for its rare celestial alignment of Pushya Nakshatra—a phenomenon last observed 144 years ago—but also for its cultural transformation. This year, the Mela has done away with Mughal-era terminology like ‘Shahi Snan’ and ‘Peshwai’, replacing them with Sanatani names such as ‘Amrit Snan’ and ‘Chhavni Pravesh’.

“It’s for the first time in the history of Maha Kumbh that we are not using Urdu terms like Shahi and Peshwai while referring to the Royal Baths. Instead, it was referred to as Rajasi Snan or Amrit Snan," said Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the All India Akhada Parishad.

Elaborating on the decision to replace the terminology, Puri said the issue was raised prominently during recent meetings of the Akhara Parishad.

“Many countries are at war. Also, the forces defaming Sanatan Dharma are on the prowl. In such a situation, it is our responsibility to keep the anti-Sanatan forces at bay and cooperate with the district administration in ensuring security at the Kumbh Mela. Hence, in our recent meeting, a few resolutions were passed by the members, which included making Aadhaar or ID proof mandatory for the saints and seers attending Kumbh Mela. We directed all the Akharas to provide a list of the associated saints to the district administration and other law-enforcement authorities in order to keep a check on the entry of ‘Farzi Babas’’ at the Kumbh," said Puri.

Other than this, another major resolution which was passed in the meeting attended by the mahamandaleshwars of all the Akharas, was to ban ‘Urdu terms’.

“It was proposed that the terms “Shahi" and “Peshwai", commonly linked to the Kumbh Mela, be replaced with names rooted in Sanatan Dharma. We had put the proposal before UP CM Yogi Adityanath for the final nod. We are thankful to him for considering our proposal and for deciding to drop terms like Shahi and Peshwai, which were long associated with Kumbh," said Puri.

The 45-day-long Maha Kumbh will witness seven Rajsi Snan or Amrit Snan. In addition to the first two Rajsi or Amrit Snans that occurred on the inaugural day (January 13), the occasion of Paush Poornima, and Makar Sankranti (January 14), the remaining Amrit Snans will occur on Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Magh Poornima (February 12), and the concluding day on Mahashivratri (February 26)—drawing millions to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers for a holy dip believed to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings.

The Kumbh Mela, a revered Hindu festival held every 12 years in major Indian cities like Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain, is an unparalleled congregation of spirituality and tradition.

Originating from ancient legends of divine battles, it symbolises purification and spiritual renewal through sacred baths in holy rivers. It draws millions worldwide seeking spiritual enlightenment and redemption from sins.

The 2025 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, from January 13 to February 26, is expected to host the largest human gathering on Earth, blending centuries-old customs with modern logistical prowess in security, sanitation, and amenities. With accommodations catering to diverse needs, it offers a unique immersion into Indian culture and spirituality, beckoning devotees and tourists alike to partake in this monumental event of faith and harmony. Around 40 crore devotees are expected to take part in the spiritual event.