Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to participate in the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela.
During a press conference in Prayagraj, after a review of preparations for Mauni Amavasya, Adityanath mentioned that programs featuring these dignitaries are planned for the event. He also noted that former President Ram Nath Kovind is actively involved in the organisation of the Maha Kumbh.
Explaining his absence from taking a holy dip at the Sangam during Makar Sankranti and Paush Purnima, Adityanath said he refrained to ensure convenience for seers and devotees. “A large number of devotees are arriving at the Maha Kumbh from across the country and abroad. Many foreign devotees were deeply moved after taking a holy dip at the Sangam,” the chief minister said, news agency PTI reported.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Appreciates Foreign Tourists’ Participation
Highlighting the European tourists singing and chanting mantras that were truly overwhelming, he said, “They do not know Hindi, Sanskrit or Awadhi, but they were chanting Hindi chaupais, Sanskrit mantras and verses connected to Sanatan Dharma with great devotion. The reverence they expressed for Mother Ganga and the sacred places here was overwhelming.
Adityanath also praised the grand scale of the Maha Kumbh and commended PM Modi’s visionary leadership in elevating the event’s prominence. “The main bathing events of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti have concluded, while the two Maha Snans — on Mauni Amavasya on January 29 and on Basant Panchami on February 3 — are still to come. More than 7,000 organisations have already arrived,” he said. Adding that the aerial survey of the Maha Kumbh area was held on Sunday.
He stated that the total number of attendees at the event, including devotees bathing at the Sangam, residents of Kumbh tents, and associated groups, has surpassed one crore. “To ensure the convenience and safety of such a large crowd, departments of both the central and state governments are working with full coordination among each other. The vision of a grand, divine and digital Kumbh is being realised, while also connecting the pilgrims’ faith with modernity and honouring their devotion,” he added.
To address any challenges, Uttar Pradesh’s chief secretary, director general of police (DGP), and other senior officials were dispatched to the site, Adityanath noted.
He further mentioned that efforts were made on Sunday to assess the ongoing progress, with a comprehensive review of arrangements in preparation for the major bathing events on January 29 and February 3. Expressing confidence, Adityanath said that with the blessings of Lord Prayagraj and Mother Ganga, the two significant bathing rituals (Shahi Snans) would be conducted successfully.
Governors, chief ministers from various states, Supreme Court and high court judges, as well as representatives from across the country, have been consistently visiting and participating in the rituals at the Sangam, he added. “There is a massive presence of seers and devotees currently in Prayagraj, with numerous religious rituals being performed. Whether domestic or foreign devotees, all are deeply moved after bathing at the Sangam,” he further added.
