Prayagraj: A major milestone was created during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Friday, with over 50 crore devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam. With nearly two weeks to go before the event ends, the number of devotees has already surpassed the expectations of the government.
At the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, it was expected that nearly 40 to 45 crore devotees would attend the event. As per the data released by the Uttar Pradesh Government, the footfall of over 50 crore devotees marked the largest congregation in human history for any religion or culture. The statement by the government said that more than r 92 lakh devotees took a dip till 6 pm on Friday alone.
Devotees continue to come in large numbers despite stampede
The devotees continued to come in large numbers, despite a stampede on January 29, in which several people lost their lives while many were injured. At least 30 people lost their lives in the incident and 60 were injured.
What the government said in the statement
“Nations like the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, and Bangladesh all have smaller populations than those who have immersed themselves in the sacred waters of Sanatan Dharma,” the statement said. It added, “Only India and China surpass the number of devotees at Mahakumbh. In contrast, nations like the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Brazil fall significantly behind.”
Speaking to the news agency PTI mruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, said, “More than 50 crore people, including us, have taken the holy dip at Kumbh and we are extremely glad about it. The arrangements here are wonderful.” The Maha Kumbh which started on January 13 will continue till February 26 on the banks of the Sangam.
