45 days, five snans, 66.30 crore pilgrims…something unbelievable, unachievable, and now termed to be unassailable happened. The grand grand event of Mahakumbh suucessfully concluded yesterday after a span of 45 days, starting from 13th January on Paush Purnima…ending auspiciouly on Mahashivratri. Mahakumbh reflects upon the significance of Sanatan Dharma, human belief and devotion…at the same time, an inspiration for the whole world.
The Mahakumbh’s arrangements and the construction behind is exemplary to the countries and the people alike. In the city of Prayagraj, on the banks of the holy river Ganga, a temporary city was built in an area of 40 kilometers with an establishment of 25 sectors, 4 tehsils, 56 police stations and 133 police posts. At every 20 steps you count, a network of eclectric poles and wires was laid down. The 40 km Kumbh mela area was well equipped with all the facilities including shops, water pipelines, bathrooms, washrooms, hotels and resthouses for the visitors.
To all those wondering, it is now believed finally as it is all done, that too more than expected. It was estimated that as many as 45 crore devotees will attend the event, but a massive footfall of 66.30 crore was registered. Out of which over 1.30 crore was recorded on the final day of Mahashivrartri alone. The number is a significant portion of the popultion of India, and much more than the total population of some countries worldwide. About 20 lakh devotees stayed in Prayagraj, performing Kalpavas. And it was not that the devotees from India participated in the event, nationals and dignitaries from foreign nations poured in huge numbers to participate in the event.
It was not only about Hindu religion or the Sanatan Dharma, the Mahakumbh represented India’s rich culture and heritage. Moreover, the unity of the nation and its people, when no one cared about their caste, religion, class or creed. Upon the successful completion of the grand event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned an article where he praised the historic milestone and the countrymen who altogether led to its success. Adding that he will visit Somnath Jyotirlinga to pray for every Indian’s happiness and prosperity.
The administration left no stone unturned to make the event a massive success. Prayagraj proved itself worthy in every way, welcoming everyone visiting and those in-charge ensuring the smooth and safe darshan and offering at the holy confluence. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath kept a close vigil on the situation, be it the traffic control, crowd management and other arrangements.
Except for a few minor mishaps, no major incident was reported from the mela premises. With the end of the event, the Mahakumbh city will witness its shut down as well. A city that was magical for a moment of time, a city that was able to merge such a massive population in its borders in the lap of Maa Ganga…showcasing peace and discipline. The world has just witnessed a miracle, realizing origin and construction in its true essence, in its true being. And it all feels as if the Sanatan Dharma just came alive!