The World Will Witness India's Cultural Heritage at Kumbh: Gajendra Shekhawat

Jodhpur, Dec 26 (NationPress) Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated on Thursday that the upcoming Kumbh will demonstrate India's strength and cultural significance to the world.

Addressing the press regarding the forthcoming Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Minister Shekhawat underscored the event's rich history, with mentions in ancient texts like the Vedic civilization, the Mahabharata, the Gupta era, the Chalukya dynasty, and throughout the medieval epoch.

He reminisced about previous events, noting that the Kumbh Mela in 2013 saw participation from 20 crore pilgrims, while the 2019 Ardh Kumbh attracted 25 crore devotees.

The Union Minister projected that approximately 45 crore individuals will partake in the Mahakumbh this year.

Shekhawat highlighted that the district administration, the Uttar Pradesh government, and the Indian government are working together on an unparalleled scale to enhance the divinity and grandeur of the Kumbh.

He also revealed that the count of Kalpavasis, individuals who engage in spiritual penance throughout the Kumbh, is expected to reach 20 lakh, which is double the usual figure.

Additionally, around 20 lakh international tourists are anticipated to join this year, with arrangements made to showcase the richness of Greater India in a single location.

On December 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and launched various development projects worth approximately Rs 5,500 crore in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

During his address, the Prime Minister showed reverence to Prayagraj, the sacred land of Sangam, and honored the saints and sadhus present at the Mahakumbh.

PM Modi acknowledged the contributions of employees, workers, and Safai Karmacharis who have tirelessly worked to ensure the success of the Mahakumbh.

Commenting on the grand scale of the Mahakumbh, the Prime Minister noted that it is among the largest assemblies globally, welcoming numerous devotees daily for the Mahayajna spanning 45 days, and a new city is established for the occasion.

"A new history is unfolding in Prayagraj," the Prime Minister declared, emphasizing that the organization of the Mahakumbh next year will elevate the nation's spiritual and cultural identity and that such a MahaYagya of unity will be a topic of discussion worldwide.

"India is a land of sacred sites and pilgrimages," PM Modi stated, adding that it is enriched with rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kaveri, Narmada, and countless others.

Referring to Prayag as the confluence, collection, and power of these rivers, the Prime Minister stressed the significance of various pilgrimage sites and their importance, asserting that Prayag is more than just a meeting point of three rivers.

He explained that it is widely believed that during the Makar Sankranti period, divine energies, nectar, sages, and saints descend at Prayag.

He further mentioned that Prayag is a crucial location, often highlighted in the Puranas, and praised in the Vedic verses.

"Prayag is a destination where sacred sites and virtuous spaces are found at every turn," PM Modi added.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual essence of Prayagraj, the Prime Minister recited a Sanskrit shloka, explaining: "The impact of the Triveni, the glory of Venimadhav, the blessings of Someshwar, the penance land of Rishi Bhardwaj, the special site of Lord Nagaraj Vasu ji, the immortality of Akshayvat, and the grace of the divine - this is what defines our Teertharaj Prayag."

He further elaborated that Prayagraj is a place where all four elements of Dharma, Arth, Kama, and Moksha coexist.