New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday described the ongoing Maha Kumbh as “one of the rarest events of the century”, adding that over 62 crore devotees have already participated in the grand spiritual gathering.
Addressing the Unicorn Companies Conclave in Agra, the chief minister drew parallels between the global startup movement and the spiritual magnetism of the Maha Kumbh. “I can call it the Unicorn Maha Kumbh of the startup world. There is an immense attraction towards the Maha Kumbh at this time,” he said.
Emphasising the event’s cultural and spiritual significance, Adityanath said, “A gathering of such a large number of people during a specific period for a spiritual or tourism-related purpose is in itself a rare event of the century.”
Maha Kumbh to conclude on February 26
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 will conclude on February 26. The highest turnout so far was recorded on Mauni Amavasya, with 8 crore devotees taking a dip at the Sangam.
Other key bathing days also saw massive influx of devotees:
- Makar Sankranti: 3.5 crore devotees
- Paush Purnima: 1.7 crore devotees
- February 1 & January 30: Over 2 crore devotees
- Basant Panchami: 2.57 crore devotees
- Magh Purnima: Over 2 crore devotees
With the upcoming Maha Shivratri Snan expected to push the count beyond 65 crore, the event is set to break global records for mass gatherings.
The UP government, citing Pew Research 2024, stated that 55% of India’s population has participated in the Maha Kumbh. On a global scale, over 50% of Sanatan Dharma followers worldwide have visited the sacred event.
High profile participants at Maha Kumbh
Diplomats from 73 countries, including Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, have also taken a dip at the Sangam. Additionally, over 50 lakh devotees from Nepal have participated.
Chief minister Adityanath, who is also the Mahant of Gorakshapeeth, stressed that the Kumbh serves as a crucial link to India’s cultural and spiritual roots. “It must have been envisioned that a time would come when people in India might feel disconnected from their traditions. The Kumbh is a powerful medium to re-establish that connection,” he said.
