Lucknow, Feb 26: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday praised the Maha Kumbh as a “magnificent confluence of faith, unity, and equality”.
The world’s largest spiritual gathering came to a close on Wednesday with the sacred ‘Mahashivratri Snan’ (holy dip) at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
The chief minister expressed gratitude to the people of Prayagraj for their patience and hospitality during this significant event.
In a post in Hindi on social media platform X, Adityanath highlighted that the 45-day event, which began on January 13 on Paush Purnima, attracted an unprecedented attendance of over 66.21 crore devotees from India and beyond.
“This is unparalleled in world history and truly unforgettable,” he remarked.
The chief minister credited the grand success of the Maha Kumbh to the blessings of seers, sadhus, ‘akharas’, and religious leaders who, he noted, transformed the event into a “divine and magnificent spectacle, conveying a message of unity to the entire world”.
Extending his heartfelt gratitude, Adityanath recognized all dignitaries, pilgrims, and Kalpavasis (those observing spiritual retreat during the Kumbh).
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Kumbh Mela administration, local authorities, police, sanitation workers, Ganga volunteers, NGOs, religious organizations, boatmen, and various departments from both central and state governments for their role in the seamless coordination of the grand event.
CM Adityanath specifically thanked the residents of Prayagraj for their warmth and hospitality, emphasizing that their “kindness and dedication left an everlasting impression on visitors”.
Concluding his message, Adityanath sought divine blessings, stating, “May Mother Ganga and Lord Beni Madhav bless you all.” Addressing the Legislative Council during the state’s Budget Session on Tuesday, the chief minister noted that while 1.4 crore pilgrims attend Mecca for Haj each year and 80 lakh visit Vatican City annually, Ayodhya alone welcomed 16 crore devotees “in just 52 days”.
The Maha Kumbh featured six significant bathing dates — Paush Purnima on January 13, Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and Mahashivratri on February 26 — including three ‘Amrit Snans’.
A tragic stampede during Mauni Amavasya last month resulted in at least 30 fatalities and left 60 injured, according to government reports.
Mahashivratri celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and holds special significance in relation to the Kumbh Mela.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva played a pivotal role in the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), leading to the creation of the Amrit Kumbh (nectar pitcher), which is the essence of the Kumbh Mela. (Agencies)
