A sea of devotees gathered to take bath at Sangam on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the first Shahi Snan, during Kumbh Mela 2019 in Allahabad (Prayagraj). (Image: PTI)

Prayagraj, January 16 (IANS) After a spectacular opening on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the ongoing Kumbh Mela here is slowly settling down as thousands of devotees who had gathered here for the first of the 'Shahi Snan' are making their way back to their homes.

In one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, more than two crore pilgrims and holy men took a dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers and the mythical Saraswati, as the Kumbh Mela opened on Tuesday, officials said.

Thousands of people could be seen making their way back to the railway stations from where special trains are ferrying the passengers back to their homes.

But even as thousands are returning, the 13 akharas that led the 'Shahi Snan' along with various holy men stay put in the Kumbh nagri, enchanting the visitors with their varied looks and practises.

The chanting of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Har Har Gange" resonates in the air every now and then.

The Kumbh administration has made elaborate preparations for the visitors and expressed happiness at the successful handling of the first day.

The next 'Shahi Snan' is scheduled to take place on January 21. The officials said that they expect moderate crowds till then.

The Kumbh Mela will reach its culmination on March 4, with the last of the 'Shahi Snan' taking place on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

33,000 lamps lit at Kumbh daily for construction of grand Ram temple

Prayagraj, January 16 (IANS) A group of seers are lighting 33,000 diyas everyday at the ongoing Kumbh Mela for the early construction of a grand Ram temple at the disputed Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya.

They said they would light 11 lakh diyas this month, praying for the early construction of the temple. They believe that the construction will start soon after the Kumbh Mela that ends on March 4.

Additionally, a slew of hoardings welcoming devotees to the Kumbh Mela here also call for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site.

The next date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in the Supreme Court is on January 29.