Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that while 40 crore devotees are expected to attend the 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj (from January 13 to February 26), arrangements are being made to accommodate 100 crore people.
On January 29, during the main ‘Muhurta’ of Mauni Amavasya, an estimated six crore devotees will take a holy dip, but preparations will cater to 10 crore.
He said, “The Maha Kumbh will feature extensive facilities, including 12 km of ghats and an expanded area spanning 10,000 acres. Devotees will have the opportunity to experience the darshan of Char Dham, Dwadash Jyotirlingas, and other significant Jyotirlingas. The event will integrate cutting-edge technology, such as an AI-based Bhashini app in 11 Indian languages, allowing visitors to access information about the Kumbh and services like Khoya-Paya in their preferred language.”
He added, “The government plans to implement a precise headcount of every attendee and ensure a sustainable, eco-friendly event. The Maha Kumbh will feature zero liquid discharge systems, 1.50 lakh toilets, and a ban on single-use plastics. This grand event aims to set a benchmark and drive Uttar Pradesh’s roadmap for economic prosperity.”
Yogi highlighted the remarkable transformation of the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh, stating that it redefined expectations.
“Anyone who witnessed the Kumbh of 2019 would have seen the out-of-the-box efforts that made it clean, safe, and well-organised. What was once associated with dirt, chaos, stampedes, and insecurity became a divine and grand event,” he said.
He credited the success of the 2019 Kumbh to its high standards of cleanliness, management, and security, noting that it was so exemplary that Prime Minister Narendra Modi washed the feet of sanitation workers in appreciation.
“It is part of India’s heritage to express gratitude to those who contribute to its success,” he said. The Maha Kumbh 2025, he added, will showcase a unique confluence of faith and modernity.
Yogi emphasised that the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been pivotal in driving development in the region.
“Without the Ram temple, there would have been no airport, no double rail line, and no enhanced connectivity. While the common man and devotees are expressing their gratitude, those who secretly inserted the word ‘secular’ into the Constitution are lamenting in their homes,” he said.
The chief minister pointed out that these individuals, who ruled for decades without delivering meaningful progress, are now criticising the present government for their inefficiencies.
“They have a problem with the spirituality and development of Kashi and Ayodhya. Their frustration stems from their failure and our success. We must understand their mentality,” he added.
Yogi outlined his government’s efforts to transform Prayagraj into a hub of spiritual and infrastructural excellence. The Sangam will feature a permanent ghat for the first time, and a modern riverfront is being developed along the Ganga.
He said, “The water of the Sangam will be kept clean and uninterrupted, while devotees will have year-round access to the Akshayavat Corridor. The Saraswati Koop Corridor, Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir, and Maharishi Bhardwaj Ashram Corridor are complete. In Shringverpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a 56-foot-high statue of Lord Ram embracing Nishadraj and a dedicated corridor. The airport and railway station in Prayagraj are undergoing major renovations, and over 216 roads are being upgraded — from single to double lanes, double to four lanes, and four to six lanes.”
“This development reflects our commitment to blending spirituality with progress, creating a Prayagraj that is both modern and rooted in tradition,” the chief minister added.