India, Feb. 4 -- MAHAKUMBH NAGAR A serene display of faith and devotion marked the third and last Amrit Snan of the Mahakumbh on Basant Panchami when around 2.57 crore devotees took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam by 8pm on Monday amid unprecedented security measures and a helicopter showering rose petals on pilgrims.

The total number of bathers since the start of the Mahakumbh on January 13 reached 35 crore. With 23 days more to go for the mega fair, the total count is expected to exceed 40 crore, according to the state government.

The snan began at the Sangam in the wee hours with Naga sadhus of Atal and Maha Nirvani Akhadas being the first to take the holy dip at the Sangam Nose while pilgrims bathed in the Ganga at the ghat next to t...