Maha Kumbh: A Celestial Celebration of Faith, Declares PM Modi During Unveiling of Projects Valued at ₹5,500 Crore
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New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of development initiatives totaling approximately ₹5,500 crore in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
While addressing the crowd, the Prime Minister expressed his reverence for Prayagraj, the sacred site of the Sangam, and honored the saints and sadhus present for the Mahakumbh.
PM Modi acknowledged the diligent efforts of the employees, shramiks, and safai karmacharis whose hard work has contributed significantly to the success of the Mahakumbh.
Reflecting on the grand scale of the Mahakumbh, the Prime Minister noted that it is among the largest gatherings globally, welcoming lakhs of devotees each day over a 45-day Mahayajna, with a temporary city constructed for the event.
“A new chapter is being written on the soil of Prayagraj,” the Prime Minister proclaimed, emphasizing that the upcoming organization of the Mahakumbh would elevate the spiritual and cultural identity of the nation to unprecedented heights, and this ‘MahaYagya’ of unity will be discussed worldwide.
“India is a land of sacred locations and pilgrimages,” PM Modi remarked, noting the significance of rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kaveri, Narmada, and countless others.
Describing Prayag as a confluence of sacred waters, he emphasized its role as not merely a meeting point of three rivers but a symbol of spiritual power and divine influence.
The Prime Minister elaborated on the sacredness of Prayag, stating that it is a revered time when the sun enters the house of Makar, bringing divine powers and sages to the region.
He further illustrated that without Prayag, the Puranas would be incomplete, highlighting its praise in Vedic verses.
“Prayag is a location where sanctity and virtue abound at every turn,” he stated.
Focusing on the cultural and spiritual importance of Prayagraj, PM Modi recited a Sanskrit shloka and elaborated: “The essence of the Triveni, the glory of Venimadhav, the blessings of Someshwar, the penance of Rishi Bhardwaj, the sacredness of Lord Nagaraj Vasu ji, the immortality of Akshayvat, and divine grace - this is what constitutes our Teertharaj Prayag.”
He further clarified that Prayagraj encompasses all four aspects of ‘Dharma’, ‘Arth’, ‘Kama’, and ‘Moksha’.
“Prayagraj transcends mere geography; it is an experience of spirituality,” he stated, expressing gratitude to the citizens for the opportunity to visit Prayagraj.
Recalling his holy dip in the Sangam during the last Kumbh, he mentioned that he had the chance to do so again today.
Earlier, PM Modi performed darshan and pooja at Hanuman Mandir and Akshayvat, announcing the development of the Hanuman Corridor and Akshayvat Corridor for easier access for devotees, and inquired about the redevelopment of Saraswati Koop.
The Prime Minister congratulated the citizens on the significant development projects worth thousands of crores.
“Maha Kumbh embodies a living identity that symbolizes our rich heritage of faith, spirituality, and culture,” stated PM Modi.
He further explained that this grand event signifies a divine gathering of religion, knowledge, devotion, and art. Reciting another Sanskrit shloka, he mentioned that a holy dip in the Sangam is equivalent to a pilgrimage to crores of sacred sites, cleansing an individual of all sins.
The Prime Minister noted that this enduring flow of faith has remained uninterrupted through various empires and even during the British rule, primarily because the Kumbh is sustained by internal forces.
He emphasized that Kumbh is a reflection of the human soul’s consciousness, a consciousness that naturally draws people from all over India to the banks of the Sangam.
He added that individuals from villages, towns, and cities converge upon Prayagraj, creating a congregation and mass gathering that is rarely seen elsewhere.
PM Modi remarked that once an individual arrives at the Mahakumbh, all distinctions fade—be it saints, sages, wise individuals, or ordinary people—with everyone united in a single purpose and idea.
He expressed his belief that this time, the Maha Kumbh would attract crores of individuals from diverse states, languages, and beliefs to Sangam, fostering unity.
According to him, the Maha Kumbh serves as a MahaYagya of unity, where all forms of discrimination are set aside, and every Indian who takes a dip in the confluence represents a harmonious portrayal of Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat.
PM Modi underscored the significance of Kumbh in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, illustrating how it has historically facilitated deep discussions among saints regarding essential national issues and challenges.
He remarked that in earlier times, when modern communication was unavailable, Kumbh became a platform for significant societal changes as saints and scholars convened to deliberate on the nation’s welfare and the challenges of the present and future, thereby imparting new insights and energy to the country’s thought process.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Kumbh remains a vital forum for such discussions, sending positive messages throughout the nation and inspiring collective thought for national welfare.
Although the names, milestones, and paths of these gatherings may differ, the Prime Minister affirmed that the purpose and journey remain consistent. He emphasized that Kumbh continues to symbolize ongoing national discourse and serves as a beacon for future progress.
He pointed out the previous neglect of Kumbh and religious pilgrimages by earlier governments, noting how devotees encountered challenges despite the importance of these events.
He attributed this to a disconnection from India’s culture and faith and reassured citizens of the current government’s deep respect for the nation’s traditions and beliefs, both at the central and state levels.
He stated that both the central and state governments are committed to facilitating the needs of pilgrims attending Kumbh. The Prime Minister mentioned that thousands of crores have been earmarked for various projects, with both levels of government collaborating to ensure seamless preparations.
He highlighted a special focus on enhancing connectivity to Prayagraj from cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Raebareli, and Lucknow, ensuring ease of travel for pilgrims.
He praised the collective efforts of various government departments in preparing for the grand event, showcasing a ‘Whole of the Government’ approach.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the government is dedicated to both development and the enrichment of India’s heritage. He mentioned the various tourist circuits being developed nationwide, including the Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, and Tirthankar Circuit.
Touching upon initiatives like Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD, the Prime Minister announced the expansion of facilities at pilgrimage sites.
He highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya with the grand construction of Ram Mandir, which has elevated the entire city. He referenced projects like Vishwanath Dham and Mahakal Mahalok that have gained international recognition.
In Prayagraj, the Prime Minister mentioned the Akshay Vat Corridor, Hanuman Mandir Corridor, and Bharadwaj Rishi Ashram Corridor as reflections of this vision, while sites like Saraswati Koop, Patalpuri, Nagvasuki, and Dwadas Madhav Mandir are also being revitalized for the benefit of pilgrims.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Prayagraj, the land of Nishadraj, holds a critical position in Lord Ram's journey to becoming Maryada Purushottam. He recounted the story of Lord Ram and Kevat, who washed Lord Ram's feet and assisted him in crossing the river, representing devotion and friendship.
He further emphasized that this narrative underscores that even the Lord can seek assistance from his devotee. PM Modi noted that the development of Shringverpur Dham stands as a testament to this friendship, with statues of Lord Ram and Nishadraj conveying messages of harmony to future generations.
The Prime Minister stressed the vital role of cleanliness in ensuring the success of the grand Kumbh. He mentioned the accelerated Namami Gange program aimed at guaranteeing proper sanitation and waste management in Prayagraj, alongside initiatives such as appointing Ganga Doot, Ganga Prahari, and Ganga Mitras to raise awareness.
Over 15,000 sanitation workers will ensure cleanliness during the Kumbh, and PM Modi expressed his gratitude to these workers in advance for their dedication to maintaining a clean and spiritual environment for millions of devotees.
He likened the actions of sanitation workers to Lord Krishna's act of picking up used plates, underscoring that every task is significant, and assured that their contributions will enrich this event.
Recalling the praise received for cleanliness during the 2019 Kumbh, he shared how he expressed thanks by washing the feet of sanitation workers, an experience he cherishes.
PM Modi emphasized that the Kumbh Mela significantly boosts economic activities, often overlooked. He noted that economic activities in the region were already surging prior to the Kumbh.
The Prime Minister announced that a temporary city would be established along the banks of the Sangam for approximately one and a half months, expecting millions of daily visitors. He noted that a large number of individuals will be needed to maintain order in Prayagraj during this time.
PM Modi stated that over 6,000 boatmen, thousands of shopkeepers, and those assisting with religious rituals and holy dips will see a surge in their work, creating numerous job opportunities. He indicated that merchants will need to transport goods from other cities to sustain the supply chain.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the Kumbh's impact would also resonate in neighboring districts, as pilgrims arriving from other states will utilize train or air services, further stimulating the local economy. He emphasized that Kumbh would not only strengthen society but also foster economic empowerment for individuals.
PM Modi acknowledged the significant technological advancements that will shape the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025. He pointed out that compared to previous years, smartphone usage has surged and data costs have decreased since 2013. He mentioned the introduction of user-friendly apps that can be easily utilized by those with limited tech knowledge, including the launch of the Kumbh Sahayak chatbot, marking the first application of AI and chatbot technology for Kumbh, capable of communicating in eleven Indian languages.
He encouraged leveraging data and technology to engage more individuals, proposing photography contests that capture the essence of Kumbh as a symbol of unity. These widespread photographs shared on social media would create a vast visual tapestry, encompassing a multitude of emotions and colors.
Additionally, he suggested organizing contests centered around spirituality and nature, enhancing the appeal of Kumbh, particularly among the youth.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the collective and spiritual energy from the Maha Kumbh would further reinforce the nation's commitment to development. He envisioned the Kumbh Snan as a historic and unforgettable occasion, praying for the welfare of humanity through the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. He extended his warm wishes and welcomed all pilgrims to the sacred city of Prayagraj.
UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were among the dignitaries present.
Earlier, PM Modi visited Prayagraj, performing pooja and darshan at Sangam Nose, followed by pooja at Akshay Vata Vriksh, and darshan at Hanuman Mandir and Saraswati Koop. He also toured the Mahakumbh exhibition site.
PM Modi inaugurated various projects for Mahakumbh 2025, including numerous rail and road initiatives like ten new Road Over Bridges (RoBs) or flyovers, permanent ghats, and riverfront roads to enhance infrastructure and provide seamless connectivity in Prayagraj.
In alignment with his commitment to a Swachh and Nirmal Ganga, the Prime Minister inaugurated projects focused on intercepting, tapping, diverting, and treating minor drains leading to the Ganga, ensuring zero discharge of untreated water into the river. He also inaugurated various infrastructure projects related to drinking water and electricity.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated major temple corridors, including the Bharadwaj Ashram Corridor, Shringverpur Dham Corridor, Akshayvat Corridor, and Hanuman Mandir Corridor, among others, to facilitate access for devotees and promote spiritual tourism. He launched the Kumbh Sahayak chatbot to provide real-time guidance and updates for devotees during the Mahakumbh Mela 2025.
