Mysuru: The 13th edition of Kumbh Mela has begun at Triveni Sangam in T Narasipura, Mysuru district, Karnataka. Often referred to as South India’s Prayagraj Kumbh, the event drew thousands of devotees and saints from across the state and beyond.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam and addressed the gathering. Shivakumar urged devotees to embrace Karnataka’s Kumbh Mela instead of travelling to Prayagraj.
Cauvery holds same divinity as Ganga, says DK Shivakumar
“If you see the history books, the divinity and purity attached to the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are also given to our river Cauvery. Therefore, I request the people here that there is no need to go there (Mahakumbh) and allow something wrong to happen,” said Shivakumar.
The Deputy CM added, “It is very difficult there; you can come here and offer your prayers. I believe that more than the effort, the prayers will bear fruit, so I request people to make use of the arrangements in the Kumbh Mela of our state.”
The inauguration marked the start of grand spiritual festivities, with devotees participating in holy baths, spiritual discourses, and cultural programs. These rituals will continue over the next few days, adding to the religious fervour at the sacred confluence of the Kaveri, Kapila, and Spatika Sarovara rivers.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition R Ashok responded to Shivakumar’s remarks, taking a dig at the Deputy CM. “I welcome Mr DK Shivakumar’s advice. In return, I advise the party president to also counsel Mr Mallikarjun Kharge, his son, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take a holy dip as well,” Ashok said.
What R Ashok said
The comments came after a political spat between Shivakumar and Ashok over the former’s participation in the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. Ashok had previously criticised Shivakumar’s attendance, linking it to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about poverty and the Ganga.
Shivakumar, in response, firmly defended his personal choice. “Let R Ashok criticise the Prime Minister, not me. Whether I go or not is a matter of my personal beliefs and life. Why is he questioning me? If the Prime Minister or any of his party leaders, such as the Home Minister, comments on this, then I will be answerable to them,” he said.
Ashok had earlier mocked Shivakumar on X, writing, “As soon as @DKShivakumar takes a dip in the Ganga, will all his sins be washed away? As soon as KPCC President @DKShivakumar takes a holy bath at the Kumbh Mela, will poverty be eradicated in Karnataka? Won’t @kharge saheb question this now?”
Shivakumar dismissed these remarks, emphasizing that rivers like the Ganga, Cauvery, and Krishna belong to everyone and should not be politicised. “Water has no colour, taste, or shape, and everyone needs water. It is a matter of our dharma and karma, our practices, traditions, and beliefs,” he said.
He reiterated that his participation in the Prayagraj Kumbh was personal and questioned why Ashok was targeting him instead of other political figures. “Let Ashok comment on the Prime Minister’s participation in the Kumbh, not me,” he added.
