Prayagraj: The three Vaishnav Ani akharas of the country—Digambar, Nirmohi, and Nirvani—organised a joint grand Nagar Pravesh Yatra (Peshwai) in the city on Wednesday.
The large turnout of seers, Naga sadhus and Mahamandelshwars gave the procession a royal look as locals gathered to seek blessings of the seers as Akharas entered sector number 20 of the vast Maha Kumbh mela area.
The pravesh yatra started from KP Community Centre at MG Road (near the medical college). A number of bands and animals, including horses, elephants, and camels, lined up at the starting point. Along with these, hundreds of vehicles, on top of which, were the thrones for each of the mahamandelshwar and prominent seers of the akharas, were also lined up. The entire route of pravesh yatra resembled a sea of saffron colour blended with flower flowers and the flags of the three akharas. The grand peshwai of the three akharas passed through CMP Degree College, Parade Ground, and entered the mela area via Lower Sangam Marg to the akhara area. As the seers, mahants, mandeleshwars, and mahamandeleshwars of the akhara sat on top of the animals and vehicles, the Naga sadhus either sat on the horses or walked along with the peshwai of the akharas.
Interestingly, the flags carried by seers of the three akharas were wrapped around the stick and not opened.
While some of the Naga sadhus were seen riding horses and beating the traditional drums of the akhara, others showcased their talent with different weaponry of the akhara. The animals participating in the procession and the vehicles used by seers were beautifully decorated. The seers, guarded by their security staff, were seen taking selfies with the devotees and of the procession.