- Turnout of devotees will double in 2025 as compared to 2019 Mahakumbh, asserts CM
- Magh Mela was a rehearsal to 2025 Mahakumbh: CM Yogi
By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing the House on Wednesday, assured that the upcoming Mahakumbh of 2025 will transcend the grandeur and divinity witnessed during the 2019 event. Proposing vote of thanks to the Governor, CM Yogi affirmed, “We are committed to organizing the Mahakumbh of 2025 in a grand manner.”
Reflecting on the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh, he noted the absence of key sites like Kashi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya, and Vindhyavasini, which will be integral to the forthcoming event. Anticipating a doubling of devotee turnout compared to 2019, the CM emphasized that preparations are underway to enhance infrastructure to accommodate them.
Noteworthy developments include the construction of 9 ROBs, establishment of a new civil terminal, and the widening and fortification of over 250 roads, alongside the construction of 114,500 toilets, he pointed out. Describing this year’s Magh Mela as a rehearsal to the Mahakumbh in 2025, he said that the fair witnessed the participation of 40 lakh devotees.
2019 Kumbh presented a model of safety, cleanliness and order
The 2019 Kumbh exemplified safety, cleanliness, and orderliness, serving as a model for subsequent events, he said. CM Yogi emphasized that the Prayagraj Mahakumbh of 2019, attracted over 24 crore devotees and garnered global acclaim for its impeccable organization.
For the first time post-independence, 5 crore devotees immersed on Mauni Amavasya, with devotees having seamless darshan of Akshaya Vat and Goddess Saraswati, he stated. CM Yogi highlighted India’s cultural resurgence, exemplified by events like Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, Braj’s Rangotsav, and Kashi’s Dev Diwali, which resonate nationally.
Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a leader in tourism
CM Yogi said that the systematic development of religious sites is being carried out through dedicated councils. Milestones include the completion of the Srikashi Vishwanath Dham corridor and the reinstallation of the Mother Annapurna statue after a century.
Notable initiatives span the Ramayana, Buddhist, spiritual, Shaktipeeth, Krishna/Braj, and Mahabharata circuits, reflecting in last year’s visitation figures: 6.30 crore devotees to Srikashi Vishwanath Dham, 6.20 crore to Mathura-Vrindavan, 10 lakh to Naimishdham, 2.55 crore to Bundelkhand, 29 lakh to the Buddhist Circuit, and 8.50 lakh to Shukratirtha, he informed. Uttar Pradesh’s ascendancy in tourism is paralleled by job creation and economic growth, underscoring its newfound prominence in the sector, he informed further.
