PRAYAGRAJ, India (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where he performed a ritual dip at the Triveni Sangam, the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
He described the experience as a deep spiritual experience, adding, “Blessed to be at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The Snan at the Sangam is a moment of divine connection, and like the chores of others who have taken part in it, I was also filled with a spirit of devotion.” Apart from this, he prayed for blessings by adding, “May Maa Ganga bless all with peace, wisdom, good health, and harmony.”
The Prime Minister’s visit included paying obeisance at the Sangam and taking a boat ride on the Yamuna River along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This year’s Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will end on February 26, has drawn millions of devotees from across the globe.
Over 3.748 million devotees took a holy dip at the Sangam by 8 a.m. on Wednesday, including over 1 million Kalpvasis and 2.748 million pilgrims seeking divine blessings. Government reports suggest that the total number of bathers since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh has crossed 382 million up to February 4, bringing out its unique spiritual and cultural significance.
Going in accordance with his commitment to safeguard India’s cultural heritage, Modi has repeatedly called for infrastructure upgradation at the pilgrimage centers. During a recent visit to Prayagraj on December 13, 2024, he inaugurated 167 development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, which are aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilities for the public.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years, is the world’s largest religious gathering, attracting millions of pilgrims to bathe in the holy waters seeking spiritual cleansing and blessings. The festival is defined by a succession of rituals, with the participation of Naga Sadhus, holy men smeared with ashes, who stage ceremonial processions and initiations.
Despite the enormous number of pilgrims, the festival has not been without hitches. A week before the Prime Minister’s visit, a stampede on January 29 resulted in the deaths of at least thirty, with indications of higher casualties. In reaction, authorities have instituted additional security measures to cope with the large numbers of pilgrims and prevent further accidents.
