Kumbh Mela 2019: Here is a 10-point guide
The first "Shahi Snan' (royal bath) of Kumbh drew a record crowd of 2.25 devotees, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said.
"Shahi Snan" (royal bath) is considered among the most significant events of the Kumbh Mela.
Saints of 13 akharas including seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina and one Sikh - were the first to take the 'holy dip'. The order in which the 'holy dip' is performed by various akharas is pre-determined.
Elaborate security arrangements are in place and pontoon bridges have been constructed to lead pilgrims to the 5-km bathing ghat at Sangam.
Thousands of tents, with restaurants and shops, have sprung up along the river, with pilgrims camping across a sprawling 45-square kilometre zone specially earmarked for the Kumbh.
The UP government has allocated Rs.4,200 crore for the Ardh Kumbh, more than thrice the budget of the Purna Kumbh in 2013.
Nearly 30,000 police have been deployed for crowd management and prevent stampedes that have marred previous gatherings.
Fire broke out at two tents after cylinder blast at the Digambara Akhara yesterday. No one was injured and the fire was contained quickly, said the police.
Union minister Harsh Vardhan, yesterday, launched a special weather service for the Kumbh Mela. A mobile app named 'Kumbh Mela Weather Service' has also been developed to disseminate live weather information.
Traditionally called the 'Ardh Kumbh' as it takes place twice in 12 years, the present Uttar Pradesh government recently renamed it 'Kumbh'
The Kumbh will reach its culmination on March 4, which also marks the Maha Shivratri, the last of the six dates for "Shahi Snan".
Somvati Amavasya 2021: Lakhs At Haridwar Mahakumbh Amid Covid. Video Here Kumbh Mela Officials: Huge Crowds Unlikely On Shahi Snan Days Maha Shivratri 2021: First Shahi Snan At Mahakumbh In Haridwar Today Video: Woman Tries To Jump Off Mumbai's Atal Setu, Saved By Driver, Cops Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources Private Jets, Luxury Cars: Lavish Life Of "Ketamine Queen" Jasveen Sangha Doctors Begin 24-Hour Nationwide Strike Over Kolkata Rape-Murder: 10 Points "Rs 2 Lakh Spent On Each Tree": Mumbai Metro Body's Revelation Sparks Row First Test Flight Of India's Human Space Mission Rocket Likely In December Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.