The ongoing Maha Kumbh has witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with more than 9.73 crore devotees, including Kalpavasis and revered seers, taking a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam in the first 10 days alone. The Uttar Pradesh government anticipates that the number of attendees will surpass 10 crore by the end of Wednesday (January 23).
As per the latest figures, over 16.98 lakh pilgrims bathed at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers on Thursday alone. Given the current participation levels, officials estimate that the total footfall could exceed 45 crore by the culmination of the religious event.
Celebrities visit to Maha Kumbh
Amidst the sea of devotees, a few notable figures stand out. One such individual is Rajpal Singh, widely known as ‘Pahalwan Baba.’ Renowned for blending spirituality with a call for a healthy lifestyle, Pahalwan Baba has emerged as a prominent presence at the gathering. His mission is to “awaken” the youth, eradicate drug addiction, promote fitness, and help India reclaim its title as a “Vishwaguru.”
At 50 years old, Singh’s fitness is remarkable. “I can do 10,000 push-ups with one hand. If I can work so hard at this age, the youth can do four times more,” he said, inspiring many to follow his example.
CM Yogi’s visit
On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, marking a significant moment in the spiritual event. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya, Brajesh Pathak, and other cabinet ministers, all of whom offered prayers in gratitude.
During his visit, CM Yogi announced the renewal of the Uttar Pradesh Aerospace and Defence and Employment Policy, as well as new incentives aimed at attracting further investment. He also revealed plans to issue municipal bonds for Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Agra, which are expected to enhance the development of these cities and promote branding efforts for the municipal corporations.
Authorities are now focusing on preparations for the highly anticipated Mauni Amavasya, which is expected to draw even larger crowds on January 29. The religious and cultural significance of the day is expected to make it one of the busiest bathing days of the Maha Kumbh, marking a historic event for both the devotees and the state.
(With PTI Inputs)