Sacred Preparations Begin with Dharma Dhwaja Rituals for Maha Kumbh 2025.

Maha Kumbh 2025: The Largest Holi Congregation Of The World,  Sacred Preparations Begin With Dharma Dhwaja Ritual.

Sumedha Bharti | HENB | Prayagraj | Nov 24, 2024:: In a significant step towards preparing for the Maha Kumbh – 2025, Juna Akhara performed the sacred ritual of installing the ‘Dharma Dhwaja’ (religious flag) on their allotted land within the mela area on Saturday. This ceremonial flag-raising marks the commencement of setting up the akharas’ camps, known as ‘chavaani’.

Throughout the day, other prominent akharas, including Agni Akhara, Awahan Akhara, and Kinnar Akhara, also installed their respective Dharma Dhwajas. The rituals were attended by esteemed saints and dignitaries, including Juna Akhara patron Mahant Hari Giri, president Mahant Prem Giri, and Maha Kumbh in-charge Mahant Mohan Bharti.

Maha Kumbhs are considered as the  world’s largest holy congregation so far.

During the ritual, the flag was ceremoniously hoisted on a tall wooden trunk, secured by multiple thick ropes from all sides. Concurrently, other akharas have initiated the process of demarcating their allotted plots. In the forthcoming days, additional akharas, including Niranjani and Bada Udasin, will perform the Dharma Dhwaja ritual.

Once the chavaani (camps) are prepared, the respective akharas will make a grand entry into the mela area through a procession, known as Peshwai or chavaani pravesh, from their current ashram residences.

Uttar Pradesh Government who looks after the huge arrangements of Maha Kumbha, has already completed the demarcation and allotted over 100 bighas of land to 13 main akharas with other religious stake holders.

The Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) comprises 13 prominent akharas, including Nirmohi, Nirvani, Digamber, and others. Following the allocation of land to these akharas, distribution will commence for other entities, such as Dandi Bada, Acharya Bada, and Khalasas. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is slated to begin on January 14 with the Makar Sankranti Snan and will conclude on February 26 with the Mahashivratri Snan, attracting millions of devotees worldwide over its 40-day duration.

Niranjani Akhada’s Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kaishalanand Giri was recently shown land in sector 8 of the fair area, marking a significant development. This time around, Swami Giri’s position has been changed due to his elevated role as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, whereas previously, he was allocated land in sector 7 when he held the position of Mahamandaleshwar in Nagar.
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_Inputs from PTI & GNT..