Mauni Amavasya on 29th January, 2025 (Royal Bathing/Shahi Snan)
It is believed that the water of the most sacred and holy river in Hinduism, the Ganga, turns into the nectar on Mauni Amavasya day. Due to this belief Mauni Amavasya day is the most important day in Hindu calendar to take holy dip in the Ganges.
According to North Indian calendar, Mauni Amavasya falls in the middle of Magha month and also known as Maghi Amavasya. Many people take pledge to take holy dip in the Ganges not only on Mauni Amavasya day but also during whole Magha Mahina. The daily bathing ritual starts on Paush Purnima and ends on Magha Purnima day.
During Kumbh Mela, Mauni Amavasya is the most important bathing day at Prayag in Allahabad and known as the day of Amrit Yoga and the day of Kumbh Parva.
Shahi Snan or the Royal Bath is the ritual bathing of the disciples of the 13 Akharas who will come from various parts of the country and gather at Prayagraj. They will bathe on a specific date and time at the sacred river confluence at Prayagraj and this is called the Shahi Snan.
The disciples consist of sadhus, yogis, swamis, ascetics, and others who lead a huge procession and chant hymns, utter loud slogans, and ride on elephants and horses up to the snan bathing spots. Shahi Snah usually begins very early morning and lasts for the whole day. Shahi Snan is also called Rajyogi Snan and is considered to bring immortality.