Lucknow, February 28 – The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council on Friday formally expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the successful organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 66 crore devotees.
BJP member Vijay Bahadur Pathak presented a proposal in the House, highlighting the leadership and guidance of PM Modi and CM Adityanath in ensuring the grand event’s seamless execution. “This Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi for his able guidance and to Honorable Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his strong leadership in organizing the Maha Kumbh, where over 66 crore devotees took a holy dip in the sacred Triveni,” Pathak stated.
PM Modi Reflects on Maha Kumbh’s Significance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a blog post on Thursday, described the Maha Kumbh as a "mahayajna of unity" and a reflection of India’s new self-confidence. He noted that the congregation marked a historical moment, symbolizing the nation’s awakening after breaking free from a colonial mindset.“The Maha Kumbh has concluded. The ‘mahayajna’ of unity has concluded,” he wrote, emphasizing that the event signified a turning point in India’s journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He highlighted the massive scale of participation, stating that the number of devotees exceeded all previous estimates, almost doubling the U.S. population.
Recognizing the challenges of organizing an event of such magnitude, PM Modi extended an apology to "Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna, Mother Saraswati" and to the people for any shortcomings in services provided.
Acknowledging the Police Force’s Contribution
In recognition of the security personnel’s efforts, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a special Rs 10,000 bonus and the ‘Maha Kumbh Seva Medal’ for 75,000 police personnel who were on duty during the 45-day religious gathering. Additionally, these personnel will receive a one-week phased leave as a token of appreciation.Speaking at a special event at the Ganga Mandapam in Prayagraj, Adityanath praised the police force’s patience and resilience. “Our personnel were even pushed by people at times but displayed remarkable patience,” he said.
The chief minister described the Maha Kumbh as not only the world’s largest religious gathering but also a significant economic event. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh’s economy saw a remarkable boost of Rs 3.5 lakh crore, following a state investment of Rs 7,500 crore in Prayagraj’s infrastructure.
“This was not just an event of faith; it was an economic phenomenon,” he noted, underscoring the Kumbh’s role in blending faith with economic growth.
Stampede Tragedy Amidst Grand Celebrations
Despite its overall success, the Maha Kumbh was marred by a tragic incident on January 29, when at least 30 devotees lost their lives in a stampede due to overwhelming crowds. The Uttar Pradesh government had made its crowd estimates based on previous Maha Kumbh experiences but noted that actual participation exceeded expectations.The Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13 and concluded after 45 days, was hailed as a historic event, marking not just a religious milestone but also contributing significantly to India’s social and economic fabric.
