‘Over 45 crore people likely to visit Prayagraj Mahakumbh’

 

 

upcoming Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, slated next month in Uttar Pradesh, is expected to witness an unprecedented surge in the number of devotees. This event promises to surpass previous editions in both grandeur and divine essence. The Uttar Pradesh Government has made meticulous and timely arrangements, as stated by Cabinet Minister of Jal Shakti and Flood Control, Swatantra Dev Singh, during a roadshow held in Bhopal on Sunday. Speaking to the media, Minister Singh said that approximately 45 crore devotees, saints, ascetics and tourists are expected to visit Prayagraj for this grand event.

 

He was accompanied by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Foreign Trade, and Agricultural Exports, Dinesh Pratap Singh, who led the grand roadshow. Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge), Dayashankar Singh, mentioned that Quick Response Teams have been deployed on the seven roads leading to Prayagraj to handle any emergency situations. This religious congregation will focus on health and cleanliness, with a strict ban on single-use plastics. Environment-friendly alternatives such as dona (leaf bowls), pattal (leaf plates), kulhars (clay cups), and jute and cloth bags will be promoted to ensure a sustainable celebration. Under Swachh Mahakumbh initiative, the State Government has directed polythene wholesalers to stop supplying plastic bags in the city and a public awareness campaign is underway to reinforce this message, the Minister said. The UP Government is taking significant steps to ensure the ceremony is historic, featuring international participation and state-of-the-art facilities, he added.

 

The Indian Railways is planning to run 900 special trains to Prayagraj for upcoming Kumbh Mela, scheduled to be held from January 13 to February 26, 2025. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has arranged 400 shuttle buses to facilitate travel for devotees during the event.

 

To keep track of visitors, footfall counting based on “attribute-based search,” RFID wristbands and mobile app tracking will be implemented. Minister Singh emphasised that this religious congregation will reflect unity within India’s diversity and extended an invitation to the people of Madhya Pradesh to participate in the event. During his address to the press, Minister Singh said, “Under the inspiration and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mahakumbh will take place in Prayagraj on sacred banks of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Mahakumbh will once again be held on the holy land of Prayagraj after a gap of 12 years.” The ministers extended an invitation to the Governor of Madhya Pradesh Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to participate in Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025. Minister Singh stated that the Mahakumbh embodies the spirit of India’s cultural and spiritual consciousness and is a divine and vibrant representation of ‘Ek Bharat- Shreshth Bharat-Samaveshi Bharat.