NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on February 5, the same day as the Delhi Assembly elections. Voting will happen in one phase, and the results will be announced on February 8.
As per officials, PM Modi will arrive in Prayagraj on February 5 to take a holy dip in the Ganga at Mahakumbh Nagar. He is not expected to attend any official events during this visit.
February 5 Holds Spiritual Significance
February 5 is a spiritually significant day, as it marks Magh Ashtami and coincides with Gupt Navratri. On this day, many devotees take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, believing it to be a powerful time for prayer, meditation, and giving alms.
The day also marks Bhishma Ashtami, linked to the Mahabharata. It commemorates the day Bhishma Pitamah, lying on his bed of arrows, awaited the transition of the Sun into Uttarayan before leaving the mortal world.
PM Modi’s Schedule at Mahakumbh
PM Modi is expected to arrive in Prayagraj at 10 a.m., head to the DPS helipad, and then take the Nishadraj Cruise to the VIP Jetty. His visit will last about an hour, during which he will take a holy bath before returning. Earlier plans for him to visit the State Pavilion and Netra Kumbh have been dropped from the schedule.
Delhi Assembly Elections 2024
The Delhi Assembly election campaign ended on Monday, with key parties, BJP, AAP, and Congress, highlighting issues affecting the capital. The elections will take place in a single phase on February 5. Over 1.8 lakh personnel have been deployed, including District Election Officers, police officers, paramilitary forces, and polling staff to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.
Over 350 Million Devotees Take Holy Dip in Ganga During Mahakumbh, Numbers Set to Soar
The Mahakumbh has seen an overwhelming turnout, with more than 350 million (35 crores) devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganga since it began. On the sacred occasion of Basant Panchami's Amrit Snan, the number crossed this milestone and is expected to surpass 500 million by the time the event concludes in 23 days.
On Sunday, February 2, about 12 million devotees participated in the ritual, pushing the overall count close to 350 million. By Monday morning, this number had officially been exceeded. Among the crowd were 1 million Kalpvasis, saints, and pilgrims from around the world.
Breaking down the figures, the largest gathering took place on Mauni Amavasya, with 80 million devotees bathing at the Sangam. Makar Sankranti followed with 35 million participants, while over 20 million people joined in on January 30 and February 1. Another 17 million devotees took part in the rituals on Paush Purnima.
