The Peshwai is a ceremonial procession that marks the arrival of sadhus and other members of an akhara or sect at the Kumbh Mela. (In Pic: A ‘sadhu’ at ‘peshwai’, a religious procession, ‘Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhara’ during ‘chavni pravesh’, the entry of akharas in the ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’ festival, in Prayagraj)

The tents have been set up for the devotees and temporary bridges have been built over the holy river in Prayagraj

Escorted by scores of seers and saints, including Mahant, and Malamandleshwars, were welcomed with flowers by the Kumbh Mela administration at various places

 Shri Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhada reaches Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 and made an official entry into the Sangam city. (In Pic: Naga sadhus of 'Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhara' take part in a religious procession called 'Peshwai', to reach the Mahakumbh ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj)

It is a grand tradition that takes place before the Kumbh Mela and is considered a display of the akharas' power

The Culture Department will set up 20 small stages at key locations across Prayagraj, allowing tourists, devotees, and locals to experience the country's diverse cultural heritage for 45 days (In Pic: Sadhus take part in Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani’s ‘Dharma Dhwaja Pujan’, a religious ceremony on the banks of the Ganga river, ahead of the ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’ festival, in Prayagraj)

Folk dance forms from various states across India will be performed on these stages

Additionally, a special cultural stage will be erected in the Nagvasuki area, where Kalpvasis and devotees will be treated to spiritually enriching Ramlilas, adding a unique spiritual dimension to the cultural festivities

The Uttar Pradesh Culture Department is finalizing preparations to present the rich folk arts of India during this period. (In Pic: Naga sadhus of 'Panch Dashnam Avahan Akhara' take part in a religious procession called 'Peshwai', to reach the Mahakumbh ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj)

Apart from this, UP government will establish a 300-bed deluxe dormitory in Prayagraj to accommodate pilgrims and tourists, officials said