By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
For the first time, the Ardh Kumbh in Haridwar which is beginning from Jan 14, 2027 will be different from held earlier.
After meeting top seers, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday announced that the celebrations of the Ardh Kumbh will be as grand as full-fledged kumbh Mela.
The Ardh Kumbh will begin on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti on Jan 14, 2027.
In a never-before-move, saints along with sadhus will be seen taking royal bath with all pomp and show during the Ardh Kumbh.
The announcement came after Dhami met representatives from all the 13 Akharas on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar in the afternoon. Dhami also announced the dates for a total of 10 baths including three Amrit (royal) baths.
Most of the seers gathered in the meeting with CM Dhami hailed the decision and said the step would preserve the “greatness and grandeur” of the Sanatan Dharam amid loud chanting of “Har Har Mahadev” slogans.
The Haridwar Ardh Kumbh will continue for four months from January to April in 2027.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to establish Uttarakhand as a spiritual capital, the Chief Minister said his government would all efforts to make the 2027 Haridwar Ardh Kumbh a massive religious event as historic as the Purna Kumbh.
He said the 2021 Kumbh was only held for a short period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the royal bath was only performed symbolically. However, the 2027 Haridwar Ardh Kumbh will be historic and of special significance in many respects.
The Chief Minister said the number of devotees coming to the Ardh Kumbh is expected to be many times greater than the 2010 and 2021 Kumbhs, and in view of this, the state government has already begun extensive preparations.
He directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements and ensure full coordination with state and central security agencies for the safety of devotees and saints.
The Chief Minister sought suggestions and guidance from the Acharyas of the Akharas for the successful organization of the Kumbh.
The Chief Minister also announced the important dates for the 2027 Ardh Kumbh baths. There will be a total of 10 baths including three Amrit or royal baths. For the first time in the Ardh Kumbh, the Akharas will perform the Amrit Snan on Mahashivratri on March 6, Falgun Amavasya on March 8, and Mesh Sankranti on April 14.
In addition, other bathing festivals during the Ardh Kumbh include Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on February 6, Vasant Panchami on February 11, Magh Purnima on February 20, Nav Samvatsar (New Year) on April 7, Shri Ram Navami on April 15, and Chaitra Purnima on April 20.