Mahakumbh Highlights: Supreme Court refuses to hear PIL on stampede, asks petitioner to move to Allahabad HC

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a PIL for specific guidelines to ensure safety of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh, where at least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in a pre-dawn stampede at Sangam area in Prayagraj.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar noted the submission of the Uttar Pradesh government that a plea was already filed in the Allahabad High Court on the issue and the present petition should be not examined in the apex court. (PTI)

Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13, will continue till February 26. The remaining significant 'snan' dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

The Prayagraj District Magistrate has declared a local holiday in the government offices in the district for Monday to maintain law and order in view of the large number of devotees from across the country and abroad arriving for the 'Snan' on the occasion of Basant Panchmi.

According to an order from the Office of the District Magistrate, it said that it has become necessary to declare a holiday for all government offices within the limits of Prayagraj district on the main bathing days due to the continuous influx of millions of devotees and pilgrims from across the country and abroad for the holy bath at the Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh.

Prayagraj, UP: DIG Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna says, "The arrangements are very nice and today our crowd control measures are well in place. The snan of all Akharas has concluded successfully. Mahanirvani Akhara, Niranjani Akhara, and Juna Akhara have successfully done their snan and other Akharas will also take part in the snan successfully.

As per Uttar Pradesh Information Department, today over 62.25 lakh devotees have taken a holy dip by 8 am. More than 34.97 crore devotees have taken holy dip till 2nd February.

The last 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 is taking place today on the occasion of Basant Panchami.

After taking a holy dip, a devotee from Germany says, "I'm so excited. It's amazing. It feels very energising..."

After 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami, Panchayati Akhada Shri Niranjani, Swami Bhavendra Giri says, "...I extend best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Basant Panchami...This is a very sacred place as here is the sacred confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati...I prayed for the welfare of the world..."

Flower petals showered on saints and seers taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on the occasion of Basant Panchami.

Drone visuals of Maha Kumbh Mela Kshetra, Triveni Sangam, as thousands of saints and seers head towards Triveni Sangam for the third Amrit Snan on the occassion of Basant Panchami.

The Hindu festival of Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami, Shri Panchami, and Saraswati Panchami, is celebrated on the first day of spring and falls on the fifth day of the month of Magha. It also heralds the start of Holi preparations, which take place forty days following the feast. Maa Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, music, and the arts, is honoured throughout the festival.