NEW DELHI: BJP MP and actress Hema Malini, along with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara and yoga guru Baba Ramdev, participated in the second ‘Amrit Snan‘ on Mauni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday.
Speaking to the journalists, Hema Malini said, “I am feeling great. I have never had such an experience before. Today is very special and I feel fortunate to take the holy dip.”
Ramdev also spoke about the significance of the ritual, stating, “We have taken a holy dip today keeping the injured persons in our prayers and wishing for their speedy recovery. We did a symbolic ‘snan’ today and prayed for the well-being of the people.”
Stamepede at Sangam Nose area
Their dip came hours after a stampede occurred at the Sangam Nose area around 1am on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, as lakhs of devotees rushed for the second Amrit Snan.
Several people were injured, leading authorities to temporarily put the ritual on hold as a precautionary measure.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj expressed his condolences to those affected by the incident.
“Today’s ‘snan’ was for the welfare of the world. I express my condolence for the accident which has occurred. I hope the families of the injured persons find strength. Due to this, we have postponed our ‘Shobha Yatra’ today,” he said.