The Maha Kumbh 2025 would be a “mahayagya of unity” that would take the country’s cultural and spiritual identity to new heights, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, emphasising the event’s role in promoting social cohesion as well as economic empowerment of communities.
Modi was addressing a public meeting here after inaugurating developmental projects to improve the city’s infrastructure and provide better amenities to pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela. The differences of castes and sects disappear at the event, the PM said.
He also performed “Kumbh-abhishek” of Kumbh Kalash, along with other rituals, and set the ball rolling on projects worth around Rs 5,500 crore in Sangam.
“A new history is being written in the land of Prayagraj,” said Modi, alleging that despite its religious significance, Maha Kumbh was not given much attention by previous governments and devotees were inconvenienced. He alleged that this used to happen because previous governments did not have a strong bond with the culture of the country.
He pointed out that the present government — both the Centre as well as the state — respects the faith and culture of the country and thus crores of funds are being spent by both these governments on development projects to ensure the success of the 45-day event scheduled to begin in January, 2025.
“The whole of the government approach that I talk about, a glimpse of those grand efforts is also seen in this Maha Kumbh,” said the PM, adding that efforts have been made to ensure that devotees do not face difficulty in connectivity.
He said that this time as well, crores of people would gather here from different states for Maha Kumbh. “Their languages will be different, their religions will be different, their beliefs will be different, but they will all become one by coming to Sangam city,” said the PM.
Referring to Maha Kumbh as “Maha Yagya of Unity”, the PM said that here, “Har ek tarah ke bhed bhav ko ahuti de di jati hai (Here, every discrimination is sacrificed).”
“Every Indian who takes a dip in the Sangam here presents a wonderful picture of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” said Modi.
He claimed that a significant aspect of the tradition of Maha Kumbh is that the country gets direction during this time. During Kumbh, there used to be extensive discussion on the important issues facing the country, the challenges facing the country in the debate, dialogue, debate, and discussion of saints, and then the sadhus, together, used to give a new energy to the thoughts of the nation, also showed a new path. He said that saints and seers have taken many important decisions related to the country during such events and when there were no modern means of communication, events such as Kumbh had laid ground for big social changes.
“In Kumbh, sadhus and learned people used to discuss the joys and sorrows of the society together, used to think about the present and the future… And today the significance of big events such as Maha Kumbh is the same. Such events send a positive message to the society in every corner of the country, there is a need for national contemplation.” said Modi.
The PM emphasised that Prayagraj is also the land of Nishadraj and Shringverpur, (considered Nishadraj’s kingdom) is also an important stop in the journey of Lord Ram into becoming Maryada Purushottam. He said that Shringverpur Dham is being developed and the statue of Lord Ram and Nishadraj will also continue to give the message of equality and harmony to future generations.
Claiming that his government is focused on enriching the heritage along with development and informing about different religious circuits, which are being developed Ramayana Circuit, Shri Krishna Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit, Modi said that his government was giving importance to those places of the country that were not in focus earlier.
Citing Ayodhya and the construction of the Ram Temple there as an example, the PM said, “We all are witnesses to how the grand Ram Temple of Ayodhya has made the entire city grand. Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Mahalok are being discussed all over the world today.” said Modi.
“Akshay Vat Corridor, Hanuman Temple Corridor, Bhardwaj Rishi Ashram Corridor also reflect this vision. Saraswati Koop, Patalpuri, Nagvasuki, Dwadash Madhav Temple are being rejuvenated for the devotees,” he pointed out.
Claiming that Maha Kumbh 2025 is taking place at a time when technology has advanced a lot as compared to the previous Maha Kumbh in 2013, Prime Minister, who also launched Kumbh Sahayak Chatbot, which would be available for communication in 11 languages, suggested that a photography competition can be organised. Adding that this would generate interest among youngsters and when these photographs would reach social media, it would give a bigger canvas as well. He said the Maha Kumbh would also give a boost to the economic activity of the area.
— WITH PTI INPUTS
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