Devotional

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Ahead of visiting Prayagraj on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Maha Kumbh is a unique symbol of the uninterrupted flow of Sanatan culture and he was eager to take a dip in the confluence and seek the blessings.

The Union Minister is set to attend the Maha Kumbh, where he will take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

In a post on X, Amit Shah wrote (in Hindi), "Mahakumbh is a unique symbol of the uninterrupted flow of Sanatan culture. Kumbh reflects our eternal philosophy of life based on harmony. Today, I am eager to take a dip in the confluence and seek the blessings of the saints in this great festival of unity and integrity in the holy city of Prayagraj."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany the Home Minister during this significant event.

HM Shah will perform the ritual bath on the 15th day of the Maha Kumbh.

As per the schedule, Amit Shah will arrive at Bamrauli Airport at 11.25 a.m. He will then proceed to the DPS helipad by helicopter at 11.50 a.m. and reach Arail Ghat at noon. From there, he will board a boat to the VIP Jetty, arriving at 12.15 p.m.

Speaking during his recent visit to Gujarat, Shah highlighted the cultural significance of Maha Kumbh, urging everyone to attend this event, which occurs once every 144 years.

"Kumbh gives the message of harmony and unity. It does not ask which religion, sect, or caste you belong to. Food is available without discrimination. No event in the world conveys a stronger message of unity than Maha Kumbh," he had said.

The Home Minister also encouraged the youth of Gujarat to experience the Maha Kumbh, sharing that he has visited Kumbh nine times in his life and has also witnessed the Ardh Kumbh.

Meanwhile, in the fair area, a Dharma Sansad will be organised to unite Sanatanis across the country. The Virat Sanatan Dharma Sansad will take place at the Shanti Seva Camp in Sector 17, led by spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur. The assembly will feature participation from Shankaracharyas, heads of 13 Akharas, and sadhus and saints from across the nation.

The Dharma Sansad aims to foster unity among followers of Sanatan Dharma. The Maha Kumbh, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, commenced on January 13 with the 'Pavitra Snan' and celebrated its second day on Makar Sankranti, coinciding with the 'Amrit Snan.'

The festival will conclude on February 26, Maha Shivratri. Upcoming sacred bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Magh Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri).

Despite the harsh winter, thousands of devotees have been thronging the Triveni Sangam to partake in this sacred tradition. As of now, over 10 crore devotees have taken the holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, marking an unprecedented turnout at the Maha Kumbh.

--IANS

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Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 26 (IANS) Over 13 crore pilgrims have taken the holy dip so far on the banks of Sangam as the mega festival of Mahakumbh 2025 is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement, drawing believers in Sanatan culture from all walks of life across the country and the world.

Sunday witnessed another sea of pilgrims congregating along the banks of Sangam. A massive crowd estimated at lakhs took the holy dip.

Figures suggested that over 1.74 crore people took the holy dip till 8.30 p.m. on Sunday.

Till January 26, a total of 13.21 crore pilgrims took the holy dip of faith.

As per the data, the number went dramatically high on Sunday compared to Saturday as the number of pilgrims who took the holy dip on January 25 was 11.47 crore.

Besides, till Sunday, over 10 lakh Kalpavasis took the holy bath.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also took a dip of faith.

Samajwadi Party leaders and workers were also present along with Akhilesh Yadav.

Akhilesh Yadav took a bath in the Sangam and offered 'Arghya' to the Sun.

Later, interacting with the mediapersons, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said: "I have taken a total of 11 dips. Let's take a resolve today that a positive message should come out of the Mahakumbh. Whenever we remember Kumbh, the spirit of harmony, goodwill and tolerance always remain. I had earlier taken a bath in Haridwar, and today I got a chance to take a bath in Sangam."

Meanwhile, a sea of devotees has started converging in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh ahead of Mauni Amavasya, the biggest snan (bathing day) of the two-month long mela.

With the weekend rush ahead of the auspicious day, the city is witnessing a surge of pilgrims from all corners. Railway stations, bus stops, and highways are brimming with pilgrims, all eager to reach Sangam for taking a holy dip on the day.

In the past two days (Friday and Saturday), over 1.25 crore devotees have taken bath at the Sangam. The crowd is expected to swell significantly, with an estimated 8-10 crore devotees expected to take bath on the day of Mauni Amavasya.

The fair administration and Kumbh police have implemented extensive preparations, to ensure a seamless experience for the devotees.

To maintain order and ensure smooth movement, the entire fair area has been declared a no-vehicle zone. Rapid progress is being made to install barricades along the banks to manage the crowd effectively.

Special arrangements have been made across all sectors and zones to facilitate the movement of devotees. No special protocol will be applicable during the Amrit Snan festival to prioritise public convenience.

The Integrated Control and Command Center (ICCC) has been activated to monitor crowd density and ensure that no excessive gathering takes place.

Quick-response teams have been deployed in high-density areas to handle emergencies, while major routes are being closely monitored. Surveillance is also being conducted to track suspicious individuals and prevent any untoward incidents.

Devotees are being encouraged to download the official chatbot of the fair. This chatbot provides comprehensive information to make their journey more convenient. In addition to the chatbot, Google navigation and on-ground police personnel will assist pilgrims in finding the correct routes.

--IANS

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Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 26 (IANS) A sea of devotees has started converging in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh ahead of Mauni Amavasya, the biggest snan (bathing day) of the two-month long mela. With the weekend rush ahead of the auspicious day, the city is witnessing a surge of pilgrims from all corners. Railway stations, bus stops, and highways are brimming with pilgrims, all eager to reach Sangam for taking a holy dip on the day.

In the past two days (Friday and Saturday), over 1.25 crore devotees have taken bath at the Sangam. The crowd is expected to swell significantly, with an estimated 8-10 crore devotees expected to take bath on the day of Mauni Amavasya. The fair administration and Kumbh police have implemented extensive preparations, to ensure a seamless experience for the devotees.

To maintain order and ensure smooth movement, the entire fair area has been declared a no-vehicle zone. Rapid progress is being made to install barricades along the banks to manage the crowd effectively.

Special arrangements have been made across all sectors and zones to facilitate the movement of devotees. No special protocol will be applicable during the Amrit Snan festival to prioritize public convenience.

The Integrated Control and Command Center (ICCC) has been activated to monitor crowd density and ensure that no excessive gathering takes place at Sangam Nose. Quick-response teams have been deployed in high-density areas to handle emergencies, while major routes are being closely monitored. Surveillance is also being conducted to track suspicious individuals and prevent any untoward incidents.

A campaign is being run against illegal shops operating in the fair area. Action is being taken to facilitate clean and wider roads for the devotees. Sanitation workers have been instructed to ensure cleanliness.

All parking areas have been activated and equipped with basic facilities for devotees. As per the traffic plan, vehicles will first be directed to the nearest parking zones, followed by alternative parking areas. Over 2,000 new signages have been installed to guide devotees in the right direction, ensuring hassle-free navigation.

Devotees are being encouraged to download the official chatbot of the fair. This chatbot provides comprehensive information to make their journey more convenient. In addition to the chatbot, Google navigation and on-ground policemen will assist pilgrims in finding the correct routes.

--IANS

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Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 26 (IANS) Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj completed two weeks this weekend. The rush of devotees and pilgrims to the holy city for a dip of faith, continues to create new record as lakhs of devotees take bath in the sacred river on daily basis.

Interestingly, the cleanliness and hygiene at the religious congregation has left the pilgrims highly impressed. The Maha Kumbh is already in its third week and will continue for another one month till February 26.

Surprised and satisfied with the special arrangements of Maha Kumbh, devotees are heaping praise on the government. They are praising the government for its excellent management.

Sonia, who arrived from Khajuri Khas in Delhi, told IANS, "This time's Kumbh is very good. Special care has been taken for the convenience and safety of the devotees. The government has done excellent work. Special care has been taken of cleanliness."

Another devotee from Delhi praised the government and said, "Yogi and Modi government have made excellent arrangements for the Maha Kumbh. Better arrangements have been made than the previous Kumbh.”

"The cleanliness at Maha Kumbh is very good. This Maha Kumbh has been organized after a total of 144 years, which is a matter of pride for us. I believe that everyone should come here and take bath in Kumbh. Modi-Yogi government has done a very good job. There is special focus on security, CRPF and police personnel are present,” he added.

Many other devotees commended the effective waste management and sanitation arrangements at the mela ground, despite the daily gathering of millions.

It is noteworthy that lakhs of devotees coming to the Maha Kumbh Mela from every corner of the country and the world are taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna and invisible Saraswati river, braving the biting cold.

--IANS

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The DGP inspected the security methods and mechanisms adopted for the security of yatris at the camp.

He was briefed by the officers about the deployment plans and management of boarding and lodging of yatris besides security arrangements in and around the camp.

“Directing for close vigil to be maintained at the base camp and around the camp, the DGP emphasised that the instruction for the movement of yatra convoys and timing schedule should be strictly adhered to. He also took stock of the traffic management at the camp,” a police statement said.

The DGP stressed upon the officers to ensure strict compliance of SOPs and instructions conveyed for the security of yatris.

He said that security measures should be implemented efficiently and security of all the vital points of the camp should be reviewed randomly and officers/officials be directed to take required measures found necessary.

The DGP also interacted with the pilgrims and enquired about the facilities and arrangements available.

--IANS

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The first batch comprising around 3,300 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in 159 escorted vehicles for the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in the Kashmir Valley.

The 62-day long Amarnath Yatra will begin on Saturday and will end on August 31 coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.

There are two routes to approach the cave shrine, the shorter 13 km-long Baltal route in Ganderbal district and the longer 43 km Pahalgam route in Anantnag.

Those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day, while those taking the traditional Pahalgam route take three to five days to just reach the shrine.

Situated at an elevation of 3,888 metres above sea level, the cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure called the holy ‘Lingam’ which symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva, according to the devotees.

The ice stalagmite structure wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Foolproof three-tier security is being managed by the army, paramilitary forces and the local police to ensure that the Yatra passes off peacefully.

To prevent deaths due to high altitude sickness, authorities have declared the Amarnath Yatra 2023 tobacco free and also advised various community kitchens called ‘Langars’ run along the two routes not to serve any junk food or halwai items to the pilgrims.

Bottled cold drinks have also been banned.

--IANS

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The initiative aims to unlock the value of gold holdings and put them to productive use for the benefit of the temples and the economy as a whole.

A recent study conducted by the India Gold Policy Centre at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, sheds light on the reluctance of retail consumers to monetise their gold holdings. The study reveals that a mere 0.22 per cent of the surplus gold held by Indian households is being monetised through the GMS.

However, the Ambaji Temple and Somnath Temple have bucked the trend by depositing a substantial amount of gold in public banks, collectively amounting to nearly 200 kg. At current prices, this translates to gold deposits worth an impressive Rs 120.6 crore.

The government has been actively encouraging temples to deposit the gold they receive as donations in banks under the GMS. This initiative allows the temples to earn interest on their gold deposits, offering a viable option for the temples to utilise their gold assets effectively. Under the scheme, medium-term deposits earn an annual interest rate of 2.25 per cent, while long-term deposits earn an interest rate of 2.5 per cent per annum.

The Ambaji Temple Trust has emerged as a frontrunner in gold deposits, having already deposited 168 kg of gold in three phases. In the first two phases, the trust deposited 96 kg and 23 kg of gold, respectively. Additionally, around 140 kg of gold has been utilised to adorn the temple's spire, adding to the splendor of the sacred place. The Somnath Temple has also actively participated in the scheme, utilising the gold accumulated through donations to gold plate the temple spires.

--IANS

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Besides, VIP darshan will also be restricted on all eight Mondays. This year the month of Saawan will be 59 days -- from July 4 to August 31 -- due to 'Adhimas'.

Except 'Mangla Aarti', no other ticketed participation in any other aarti or sugam darshan (straight entry to offer prayers after purchasing prescribed ticket) will be available during this period.

These decisions were taken by divisional commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma and commissioner of police Ashok Mutha Jain at a meeting held with the officials.

Sharma made it clear that tickets will be issued for participation of Mangla Aarti only during Saawan. "No tickets will be issued for any other aarti or sugam darshan during the holy month," he said, adding that sparsh darshan will not be permitted during the holy days.

He said that officials had been directed to focus on regulating the crowd as people from across the country will come here. Thus, all the officials should focus on their duties instead of facilitating the VIPs as well as selected persons in reaching the temple for darshan.

He also asked to send letters to each department in this regard while mentioning that no vehicle will be allowed to move between Maidagin and Godowlia crossings on Mondays.

Regarding entry and exit, Sharma said that the devotees joining the queue on any entry route of the temple will return by the same route. Devotees entering through Ganga Dwar route will get darshan from eastern doors of sanctum sanctorum, while those coming through Maidagin, Saraswati Phatak and Dhundhiraj Ganesh sides will offer prayers through northern, southern and western doors, respectively.

Installation of barricades and also public address systems on all the identified routes is being done. Officials have also asked the health department to hold four camps in KV Dham with emergency facilities while drinking water will also be arranged.

--IANSamita/dpb