Devotion overflowed at Farrukhabad’s Panchal Ghat on Vasant Panchami amid the Magh Mela’s spiritual spectacle. The Juna Akhara’s Naga sadhus, under Mahant Satya Giri Maharaj’s command, launched a breathtaking shahi snan yatra. Hurling clouds of colored powders, they heralded spring’s arrival while marching to the Ganges’ sixth step for their holy plunge.
Organizers orchestrated a lavish reception, guiding the vibrant column past the river to the snan site. Horses pranced ahead, palanquins of divine figures followed, and sadhus captivated with jaw-dropping karatabs that fused skill and sanctity.
Vaishnav devotees, marshaled by Mahant Mohan Das of Bholepur Hanuman Temple, rolled out their procession from the akhara at the first stair. Tiny flag-wavers paved the path, dhols thundered, and ascetics brandished lathis, spears, swords, and barachis in mesmerizing displays. Crowds lined the mela bazaar, raining flowers as the yatra reached administrative zones for official tributes, including a sacred Thakur Ji palanquin.
Other groups like Akhil Bhartiya Vaishnav and Panch Terah Bhai Tyagi Chaturth Sampradaya added to the pageantry, uniting for snan, puja, and returns to akharas via parikrama routes. Bhog and langars capped the festivities, with leaders noting unprecedented saintly participation in this cultural and devotional extravaganza.