Kochi: World’s largest religious congregation, Maha Kumbh Mela,
began at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh
Prayagraj on Monday.
Thousands of faithful took a dip in Triveni Sangam, the meeting point of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati to wash away their sins and attain salvation.
At least 45 crore devotees from across the globe are expected to visit the 45-day Maha Kumbh, happening after a gap of 144 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, welcomed those attending the holy event.
“I am happy to see Prayagraj abuzz with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip and seeking blessings. Wishing all pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay,”Modi said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath also extended his wishes to devotees.
State Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said 24 crore pilgrims attended Kumbh in 2019. This is Maha Kumbh, over 45 crore pilgrims, including 15 lakh foreign tourists are expected.
Singh added that the state budget for the 45-day-long mega event is around Rs 7,000 crore.
Singers Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and several other top artists are to perform.
The Culture Ministry has set up a vibrant cultural space — ‘Kalagram’ — in the Kumbh Mela area to celebrate the confluence of art, culture and heritage of India.
There are a few stories behind the celebration of the event. One of them is about the Devas and Asuras churning the ocean which gives amrita, or the elixir of immortality.
In a bid to save it from the Asuras, Indra’s son, Jayant, ran off with the pot for 12 days spilling amrita at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar.
As one day of the Devas is equal to one year of humans, Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these locations every 12 years, based on the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter.
Prayagraj and Haridwar also hold the Ardh-Kumbh (ardh means half), every six years.
photo credit: x
