PM calls Maha Kumbh ‘mahayagya of unity’
Prayagraj (UP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025 as a “mahayagya of unity,” highlighting its profound role in bolstering India’s cultural and spiritual identity while promoting social cohesion and economic empowerment. Speaking at a public gathering after unveiling development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore in Prayagraj, he underlined the event’s historical significance as a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions.
“The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious congregation; it is a symbol of unity that transcends caste, sect, and region. It will elevate India’s cultural and spiritual identity to new heights,” said the Prime Minister.
Massive Preparations for the World’s Largest Religious Gathering
The Maha Kumbh 2025, scheduled from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri), is expected to draw over 40 crore devotees from across the globe.
To ensure seamless arrangements, Rs 5,500 crore worth of infrastructure projects have been launched.
Among these, Indian Railways has been allotted Rs 1,700 crore to enhance connectivity and improve transportation for pilgrims. A key achievement is the completion of the doubling and electrification of the Jhusi-Prayagraj Junction section of the Varanasi-Madhosingh-Prayagraj railway line, which includes a new rail bridge over the Ganga, constructed at a cost of Rs 850 crore.
Additionally, a two-lane road underbridge near Jhusi station, built in just nine months at Rs 110 crore, and another road underbridge between Jhusi and Ramnathpur costing Rs 9 crore, were also inaugurated. At Prayagraj Rambagh station, six permanent shelters have been constructed for Rs 25 crore to accommodate up to 1,600 passengers, while a new foot overbridge fitted with 108 CCTV cameras has been installed for enhanced safety.
One of the standout initiatives is the launch of Sah’AI’yak Chatbot, an artificial intelligence-based platform to streamline communication for millions of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh. “This AI platform will ensure that every pilgrim, no matter where they are from, has access to timely information and support,” Modi said.
Addressing the gathering, Modi reflected on the timeless cultural importance of the Kumbh Mela. “Saints and sages have used the Kumbh as a platform for centuries to provide guidance on national and social issues. It has always been a beacon of unity and transformation,” he said.
Criticising past governments for neglecting the event, he remarked, “During previous regimes, Kumbh-related infrastructure was ignored, causing immense difficulties to devotees. Today, we have a government at both the Centre and the state that respects and celebrates Indian culture and faith.”
The prime minister also highlighted the government’s focus on cultural tourism through initiatives like the development of Ramayana, Krishna, and Buddhist circuits.
Modi expressed gratitude to sanitation workers, whom he described as the backbone of the Kumbh’s success. “More than 15,000 sanitation workers will ensure cleanliness during the 2025 Kumbh. Their dedication is invaluable,” he said, recalling his 2019 gesture of washing sanitation workers’ feet during the Kumbh as one of the most moving moments of his life.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived at Prayagraj and began his visit with a ceremonial puja at the sacred Sangam Nose, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Donning a white kurta-pyjama, a blue jacket, and a maroon shawl, Modi boarded the Nishadraj Cruise at Kila Ghat and performed the Sangam Aarti amid Vedic chants.
The PM also paid homage at the Akshay Vata Vriksha, the Hanuman Mandir, and the Saraswati Koop. Interacting with saints, he described Prayagraj as “not just a geographical location but a spiritual epicentre uniting people from all walks of life.”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel joined Modi during the visit. Adityanath praised the central government’s commitment to ensuring a transformative Maha Kumbh experience for devotees, saying, “The infrastructure projects will leave a lasting legacy, elevating Prayagraj’s standing globally.”
Beyond spirituality, Modi highlighted the economic potential of the Kumbh Mela. “The Kumbh not only fosters social unity but also drives economic empowerment. It creates livelihoods for artisans, traders, and local businesses,” he said, urging everyone to view the event as an opportunity to promote India’s cultural wealth globally.
