Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Prayagraj on Sunday to review the preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 and perform a ceremonial puja. During his visit, the Chief Minister also conducted site inspections and met with officials to discuss the ongoing progress of the preparations for the grand event.
Later in the day, CM Yogi Adityanath is expected to unveil the official logo for Mahakumbh 2025, along with the launch of its dedicated website and app. The Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 26, 2025, with tight security arrangements being made to ensure the safety of attendees. The Uttar Pradesh government has announced subsidies to help transform dhabas, restaurants, and hotels on major routes leading to the event. This initiative aims to provide improved facilities for the millions of tourists and devotees expected to attend the festival.
The key bathing festivals, known as "Shahi Snan" (royal baths), will occur on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). These events are considered highly auspicious, attracting large crowds from around the world. Mahant Hari Giri, head of the Juna Akhara, emphasized that Mahakumbh is primarily a religious festival for Sanatanis (followers of Sanatana Dharma). He stated that non-Sanatan religious people would not be allowed to participate, and strict security measures will be in place. Visitors will be required to present their Aadhar cards before entering the fairgrounds to ensure security.
Giri also urged the government to ban and monitor the consumption of meat and alcohol in and around the Mahakumbh, advocating for a 10-kilometre radius around the fair to be strictly regulated. He stressed the importance of maintaining the purity and sanctity of the festival for all Sanatanis. In addition, Mahant Hari Giri mentioned that the term "Mahakumbh," derived from Persian with roots in Sanskrit, is under review, and the name of the festival may be reconsidered in an upcoming two-day meeting. A government order is expected to formalize any name changes to reflect the cultural and religious significance of the event.
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