PM Modi Celebrates National Awakening at Mahakumbh

New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the recently concluded Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting it as a testament to the nation's devotion and unity, stating that "a grand Mahayajna of Unity has been accomplished".

The Prime Minister emphasized that during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, deities, saints, women, children, youth, senior citizens, and individuals from diverse backgrounds gathered harmoniously.

"We experienced the awakened consciousness of the nation. This was the Mahakumbh of Unity, where the aspirations of 140 crore Indians converged at the same location, at the same time, for this sacred event," he expressed in a blog post after the festival concluded on Maha Shivratri day on Wednesday.

Below is the complete text from the Prime Minister's blog post:

The Mahakumbh has successfully concluded in the sacred city of Prayagraj. A magnificent Mahayajna of Unity has been realized. When a nation’s consciousness awakens, breaking free from the chains of centuries-old oppression, it thrives in the invigorating air of renewed vitality.

The outcome of this was evident at the Mahakumbh of Unity in Prayagraj since January 13.

On January 22, 2024, during the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I spoke about Devbhakti and Deshbhakti – devotion to the divine and commitment to the nation.

Throughout the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, deities, saints, women, children, youth, senior citizens, and individuals from every walk of life gathered together. We witnessed the awakened consciousness of our nation.

This was the Mahakumbh of Unity, where the sentiments of 140 crore Indians converged at the same place and time for this sacred occasion.

Located in the holy region of Prayagraj is Shringverpur, a sacred land of unity, harmony, and love, where Prabhu Shri Ram and Nishadraj met. Their encounter symbolized the merging of devotion and goodwill. Even today, Prayagraj inspires us with the same spirit.

For 45 days, I witnessed millions of individuals from every corner of the country making their way to the Sangam. The wave of emotions at the confluence kept surging.

Every devotee arrived with a singular purpose – to take a dip in the Sangam. The holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati invigorated every pilgrim with enthusiasm, energy, and confidence.

This Mahakumbh in Prayagraj is a topic of study for modern management professionals, planners, and policy experts. Nowhere else in the world is there a parallel or example of this magnitude.

The world marveled at how millions of individuals gathered at Prayagraj along the banks of the confluence of rivers. These individuals had no formal invitations and received no prior communication regarding when to attend. Yet, millions journeyed to the Mahakumbh of their own volition and experienced the bliss of immersing in the sacred waters.

I cannot forget the faces beaming with immense joy and satisfaction after the holy dip. Women, elders, and our Divyang brothers and sisters – everyone found their way to the Sangam.

It was particularly uplifting to witness the overwhelming participation of India's youth. The involvement of the younger generation at the Mahakumbh conveys a powerful message that the youth of India will be the torchbearers of our illustrious culture and heritage. They recognize their duty to preserve it and are committed to advancing it.

The number of attendees in Prayagraj for this Mahakumbh has undoubtedly set new records. Beyond those physically present, millions who could not reach Prayagraj were also deeply connected emotionally to the event. The sacred water brought back by pilgrims became a source of spiritual joy for countless individuals.

Many who returned from the Mahakumbh were received with respect in their villages, honored by their communities.

The extraordinary events of the past few weeks are unprecedented and have laid a foundation for generations to come.

More devotees arrived in Prayagraj than anyone had anticipated. The administration had projected attendance based on previous Kumbh experiences.

Nearly double the population of the United States participated in this Mahakumbh of Unity.

If scholars of spirituality analyze the enthusiastic participation of millions of Indians, they will discover that India, proud of its heritage, is now advancing with newfound vigor. I believe this marks the dawn of a new era that will shape the future of a renewed India.

For thousands of years, the Mahakumbh has reinforced India’s national consciousness. Each Purnakumbh has historically witnessed the assembly of saints, scholars, and thinkers deliberating on societal states in their respective times. Their insights have often provided new direction for the nation and society.

Every six years, during the Ardhkumbh, these ideas were revisited. Following 12 Purnakumbh occurrences over 144 years, outdated traditions were abandoned, newer ideas embraced, and new traditions established to progress with the times.

After 144 years, in this Mahakumbh, our saints have once again bestowed upon us a new message for India’s journey toward development. That message is Developed India – Viksit Bharat.

At this Mahakumbh of Unity, every pilgrim, regardless of wealth, age, background, or location, came together.

This exemplified the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that instilled confidence in millions. Now, we must unite in the same spirit for the mission of constructing a developed India.

I recall an incident where, as a young boy, Shri Krishna revealed a snapshot of the entire universe within His mouth to His mother, Yashoda.

Similarly, during this Mahakumbh, the people of India and the world have witnessed the immense potential of our collective strength. We must now advance with this self-confidence and dedicate ourselves to building a developed India.

Previously, the saints of the Bhakti movement recognized and nurtured the power of our collective resolve across India. From Swami Vivekananda to Sri Aurobindo, every great thinker has underscored the significance of our collective resolve.

Even Mahatma Gandhi felt it during the freedom movement. After independence, if this collective strength had been appropriately acknowledged and utilized for the welfare of all, it could have become a formidable force for a newly independent nation. Sadly, it was not recognized earlier.

However, I am heartened to witness how this collective strength of the people is converging for a developed India.

From the Vedas to Vivekananda, from ancient scriptures to modern satellites, India's remarkable traditions have shaped this nation.

As a citizen, I pray that we draw fresh inspiration from the legacies of our ancestors and saints. May this Mahakumbh of Unity guide us towards new resolutions. Let us make unity our guiding principle. Let us work with the understanding that serving the nation is serving the divine.

During my election campaign in Kashi, I proclaimed, "Maa Ganga has summoned me."

This was not merely an emotion but a call to responsibility regarding the cleanliness of our sacred rivers. Standing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, my resolve intensified. The cleanliness of our rivers is intrinsically connected to our lives. It is our duty to honor our rivers, whether large or small, as life-giving mothers. This Mahakumbh has inspired us to persist in our efforts toward the cleanliness of our rivers.

I recognize that organizing such a vast event was no small feat. I beseech Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati to forgive us if there were any shortcomings in our devotion. I regard Janata Janardan, the people, as embodiments of divinity. If there have been any shortcomings in our attempts to serve them, I also seek the forgiveness of the people.

Millions attended the Mahakumbh with deep devotion. Serving them was a responsibility carried out with the same sense of devotion.

As a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, I can proudly state that under Yogi Ji's leadership, the administration and the populace collaborated to make this Mahakumbh of Unity a success. At both the state and central levels, there were no rulers or administrators; instead, everyone acted as devoted servants.

Sanitation workers, law enforcement, boatmen, drivers, and those providing meals – all worked tirelessly.

The manner in which the people of Prayagraj welcomed the pilgrims with open hearts, despite facing numerous challenges, was especially inspiring. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them and the people of Uttar Pradesh.

I have always held unwavering belief in the bright future of our nation. Witnessing this Mahakumbh has significantly strengthened my conviction.

The way 140 crore Indians transformed the Mahakumbh of Unity into a global event is truly remarkable. Moved by the dedication, devotion, and efforts of our people, I will soon visit Shri Somnath, the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, to offer the fruits of these collective national efforts and pray for every Indian.

Although the physical manifestation of the Mahakumbh successfully concluded on Mahashivratri, just like the eternal flow of the Ganga, the spiritual strength, national consciousness, and unity awakened by the Mahakumbh will continue to inspire us for generations.