Faith stronger after holy dip, say bathers

COUSINS Shivanshu Dubey and Rakesh Tiwari from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, are at the Sangam having done their Shahi Snan and feeling quite thrilled about it.

- PARAMITA GHOSH

"Shahi Shan has been happening at the Mahakumbh for a long. What makes it special this year is that it happens during a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years. I certainly won't be around for the next one," says Tiwari with a smile.

Dubey came out of the water with a "positive energy" surge. "It will carry me through as I prepare for the UPSC exams," he says. He ensured going for an early morning dip, at the hour of the 'manthan' (churning of the ocean) that yielded 'Amrit'.