Allahabad:Lakhs of people thronged various ghats of Gangaand its confluence with Yamuna and mythical Saraswati for Basant Panchami andthe third and final 'royal' bath by sants of akharas during the Ardh Kumbh heretoday (Jan 23, 2007).

Over 25 lakh people had reached the Sangam Nagari last night itself. Theybraved the early morning chill and fog to be the earliest to have a holy dip.

Mahanirvani akhara with its Mandaleshwars and Mahamandaleshwars perched oncolourfully decorated chariots were the first to set out in a majesticprocession to the Sangam for the third and final 'Shahi Snan.' Senior Nagaascetics on horseback waved swords and spears as thousands of other nude orscantily clad sanyasis marched on foot to the accompaniment of musical bands.

People lined the barricades erected to protect the route and watched theprocession.

Tight security was in place with a huge turnout of over two crore people forthe previous auspicious bathing day of Mauni Amavsya on January 19.

Today marks the beginning of spring season and is also dedicated to worship ofSaraswati, Goddess of Learning.