Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 23: In just the first 11 days of the MahaKumbh, over 97.3 million devotees, Kalpavasis, and revered seers have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, marking an extraordinary turnout. The total number of participants is expected to reach the 100 million mark by the end of today, the 11th day of the festival.
According to Uttar Pradesh government data, over 16.98 lakh people had already bathed in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati on Thursday. The state government estimates that more than 45 crore people will visit the MahaKumbh this year.
Among the many attendees, some figures stand out, including Rajpal Singh, known as ‘Pahalwan Baba.’ With his mission to “awaken” the youth, he is a prominent presence at the event. Combining spirituality with a call for a healthier lifestyle, Rajpal Singh emphasizes the importance of youth empowerment. “My goal is to eradicate drugs, promote health, and make India a Vishwaguru,” said Rajpal, who proudly claims that at 50 years old, he can do 10,000 push-ups with one hand. “If I can work this hard at my age, the youth can do even more.”
On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya, Brajesh Pathak, and other cabinet ministers. The CM offered his gratitude to God as he participated in this significant spiritual moment.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Yogi highlighted the completion of five years of the Uttar Pradesh Aerospace, Defence, and Employment Policy, which will soon be renewed with new incentives aimed at attracting more investment. He also announced the issuance of municipal corporation bonds for Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Agra, following successful bonds issued for Lucknow and Ghaziabad. “These bonds are important for branding and developing municipal corporations with a new vision,” said CM Yogi.
Authorities are also making special preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, when a large influx of devotees is expected.