After the successful conclusion of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj from 13 January to 26 February 2025, Organiser Weekly (English) and Panchajanya Weekly (Hindi) of Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited organised a one-day confluence “Manthan – Mahakumbh & Beyond”, on 12 March 2025 at Hotel Taj, Lucknow. The inaugural session, titled “Mahakumbh Ke Maharaj”, began with the lighting of Diyas by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the chief guest. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak was also present for the ceremony. CM Yogi was welcomed by Bharat Prakashan’s Managing Director, Arun Kumar Goyal, who also extended a welcome to Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. The inaugural session was chaired by Prafulla Ketkar, editor of Organiser and Hitesh Shankar, editor of Panchajanya.
When asked about the various traditions of Bharat coming to Mahakumbh and the person, who played a key role in its successful conclusion, how does he sees this? Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “The successful conclusion of the Mahakumbh showcased the strength of Bharat, and the people understood what Sanatan is. This also changed the perception of Uttar Pradesh. The world witnessed the strength of Bharat. Also, the world understood Sanstan Dharma as there were many misconceptions created about it in the past. So this Mahakumbh was a glimpse of this. People were surprised and eager to know more about it. By taking a holy bath in the water of Triveni, the world was also sharing the virtue. Mahakumbh showcased the real tradition of Bharat before the world by demonstrating that Sanatan Dharma is that core identity of Bharat. It showed that there is no discrimination in Sanatan Dharma, as people from all faiths, castes, regions and genders came together and took the baton of the Bank of Triveni. This is the real ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” and also the philosophy of Bharat”
On the question of how a section of people keep targeting Uttar Pradesh on various issue, like they tried to do over Mahakumbh, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Those who have negative views—I don’t expect anything positive from them. That’s why they have been sidelined by the people because of this negative view. We took this as a challenge, knowing that these people would oppose everything good initiative. All these people got opportunities to organise the Kumbh. I want to remind that in 1954, the first kumbh of independent Bharat, during Congress’ tenure which was in power in both centre and state, more than 1000 people lost their lives. Later, not only Prayagraj, but at every Kumbh mela from Haridwar to other places, this continued in 1976, 1986 and further. There people are aware of the situation in Kumbh and Mahakumbh during Congress’ regime.”
Reminding the mismanagement in Kumbh during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party, CM Adityanath said, “We all know the situation during 2007 and 2013 under Samajwadi Government when, despite having resources, these people could not organise a clean Kumbh. In 2013, the Prime Minister of Mauritius went to Kumbh and could not take holy deep seeing mismanagement. He came from thousands of kilometres to witness Kumbh, but after seeing the situation of Ma’am Ganga in Prayag, he was hurt so much. This had become very normal under these governments. These same people, who called the Kumbh dirty and mismanaged, left no stone unturned to defame Bharat and Sanatan Dharma. A perception was created that Kumbh means dirty, mismanagement, and stampede. But under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we changed the perception of the Kumbh. For the first time, Kumbh 2019 was known for its cleanliness.
In 2025, we thought of using technology, along with cleanliness and secutiry. As a result, we organised a Digital Kumbh, which helped people. Through Kohya-Paya Kendra, It helped find 54,000 people who were lost in Kumbh Mela. Digital tourist maps help people reach their destinations. We also built one and a half lakh toilets. Through the Bhashini app, people can gather information in 11 languages. We expected 40 crore people to come, but the participation exceeded our expectations. The fact is that those who engage in negative politics are born to do so. Due to our relentless efforts, this 45-day Mahakumbh became the world’s most significant cultural and spiritual gathering and more than 66 crore participated in Maha Kumbh. Many foreign delegates also participated in the Mahakumbh and took a holy dip, including 100 foreign Ambassadors and the director of UNESCO, which recognised Kumbh as Cultural heritage.”
Answering the question on security and other management issues during the MahaKumbh, CM Adityanath said, “We started preparation in November 2022 and officers were given task to construct infrastructure before Mahakumbh 2025. Once can notice difference between Prayagraj before 2019 and Prayagraj after 2019. Infrastructure have been developed in the city. The fact is that Kumbh and Mahakumbh have been organised in Prayagraj since ancient times, but the city was handed over to mafias by previous governments. Due to this, the development process was stalled. Who had given shelter to these Mafias. Prayang is the land of Maharshi Bhardwaj, who gave first Gurukul to this world. We used to talk about Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, but Maa Saraswati’s presence in the city was not highlighted. This is the land of Maharshi Bhardwaj. Patalpuri and Shringverpur Dham is in Prayagrajm, which was ignored. Prayagraj is the testimony of the friendship between Bhagwan Ram and Nishadraj Guha, along with many other historic incidents, but this was ignored by the previous government and encroached through land-Jihad. Nagavashuki has connection with Prayagraj, but this sacred land was also captured. But we have created 12 new corridors related to these historic figures and places and freed them from the clutched of Mafias.”
Speaking on politics over Mahakumbh regarding purity of water, he said, “When there is selfishness in politics, it doesn’t do justice with the people. Democracy has been at the core of all Bharatiyas since ancient times, and people know very well who is doing what. I have always said that the water of Triveni is always pure. Those who keep questioning its purity from Delhi—what have they done to the Yamuna here? During the Samajwadi Party Government, the cleanliness drive under Namami Gange in Kanpur was halted, which is critical place as maximum sewer water flows here. But we brought the change. In Kanpur, we turned sewer point to a selfie point.”
Speaking on an unfortunate incident on 29 January, he said, “We are all doing our work with the country first in mind. On Mouni Amavasya, a negative incident occurred when more than 5 crore people had come for the holy bath. While the Kumbh is always special for our saints and mahatmas, after this incident, all our akharas helped to manage the situation and allowed people to take the bath first. This shows how Sanatan believes in putting the country first.”
Speaking on the unnecessary mentioning of Aurangzeb by so-called intellectuals in connection with the Kumbh, he said that whoever has played with the faith of Bharat has always come to bad end. Prayagraj , Kashi and Mathura, has set an example that how coulure can also be the base of Prosperity. Faith can be the base of livelihood without any discrimination. During the Mahakumbh, thousands of people got the opportunity to earn their livelihood, irrespective of their faith. Those who glorify anti-Sanatan personalities should also look at the end of these personalities. Only mentally-disturbed people would make Aurangzeb their ideal. Aurangzeb was ruthless and anti-Hindu. Therefore, those who are intentionally talk about Aurangzeb should name their children after him. But they should be prepared for the consequences. His father, Shah Jahan, in his biography, has written that no one should be the father of a son like Aurangzeb. He captured his father for years till his death and killed his brother. These people should respect our heroes, not a ruthless person like Aurangzeb. This is Bharat’s century. This is new India and progressing towards Viksit Bharat. Indonesia is a Muslim majority country. Indonesia’s national festival is Ram Lila. Ganpati is in its currency, and its airline is named after Garun. All these people should learn from the statement of the Indonesian president during his visit on Republic Day when he said his DNA is Bharatiya. However, if these people continue to do so, their truth will be revealed, as happened in Sambhal.”
“Sambhal is a truth. I respect every faith. Sambhal is mentioned in Puranas written 5000 years ago. It is said that in Sambhal Shri, Hari Vishnu will take his 10th incarnation. Islam came 1400 years ago. In 1526, Shri Hari Vishnu Maddir was demolished and in 1528, Ram Mandir was demolished by Mir Baqi. There were 68 pilgrimage places (teerths) in Sambhal, and we have only been able to find 18 till now. In Sambhal, Jalabhishek was performed after 56 years at a Shiva Mandir.
“I don’t think whar people think about me. I am proud of the dress (saffron) I have embraced. One day, the whole world will embrace it,” said CM Yogi Adityanath.
Comments