Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh graced the India Today Conclave on Saturday. Participating in a special session titled 'The Yogi Mahakumbh', he addressed queries related to the ancient Indian festival, the Maha Kumbh. He stated, 'Serving the saints and pilgrims has indeed been fortunate for me.' According to him, when events are seen as a duty, they become a burden, but if embraced with affection, they turn into a festival.
CM Yogi emphasized that opportunities are available to all, but while some rise, others falter. He regarded the opportunity to partake in this festival as a blessing. The Maha Kumbh took place from Poush Purnima to Maha Shivratri, lasting 45 days. He reminisced about organizing the 2019 and 2015 Kumbh events, underlining his privilege in serving the saints and pilgrims once more. He said that when embraced with love, it transforms into a grand celebration.
Over 660 Million Devout Attendees
The Chief Minister disclosed that while the prediction for the Maha Kumbh visitors was initially 400 to 450 million, this year it exceeded 660 million. He noted that, under PM Modi's leadership, the event was turned into a magnificent and historic affair. CM Yogi claimed that pre-existing global and domestic assumptions about Maha Kumbh were dispelled this time. 'There were accusations of discrimination against us, but the event silenced the critics,' he asserted. He also mentioned that nearly 1.2 billion people globally subscribe to Sanatan culture, with many families contributing a member to be part of this event.
Exemplary Safety and Discipline
CM Yogi mentioned that during the Maha Kumbh, there were no incidents of harassment, theft, or kidnappings. Devotees arrived and departed safely. On the day of Mauni Amavasya, 7.8 million buses and four-wheelers participated in the Prayagraj Kumbh. Devotees traversed 10-15 km on foot without any dismay.
Pilgrims Answer Detractors
CM Yogi remarked that some attempted to defame the event as the ‘Death Kumbh,’ but the devotees turned it into the 'Victorious Kumbh', offering a resolute rebuttal. The Kumbh propagated a message of unity and Sanatan culture to the world. The Maha Kumbh of 2025, in its grandeur and discipline, has created history. The devotees experienced it not merely as a religious congregation but as a spiritual and cultural gala.
