Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 8 : Days before the commencement of the Mahakumbh festival, Uttar Pradesh Minister Nand Gopal Gupta assured that all necessary preparations have been completed for the grand event.
The minister stated that around 40-45 crore people are expected to visit during the Mahakumbh festival.
Gupta stated that as the 2019 Kumbh was a success under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mahakumbh 2025 will also be a massive success.
Speaking to ANI, Nand Gopal Gupta said, "Under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath the 2019 Kumbh was a success. The people who went from here were satisfied with the preparations we made... This time also it will be a massive success... All the preparations have been made. Around 40-45 crore people are expected to visit the Mahakumbh. The world is watching Prayagraj..."
Abhilasha Gupta, Former Mayor of Prayagraj, emphasised that the celebration of Mahakumbh will spread the message of unity in India.
"Prayagraj is a Kumbh Nagri and a city of Sanatani... Under this Maha Kumbh celebration, the message that will be spread is how to unite people under one roof...Our motive is to spread the message of Lord Ram..." Abhilasha Gupta told ANI.
Speaking on the All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi reportedly supporting the claim that the Mahakumbh is being organised on Waqf land, the former mayor stated that the judiciary will look after this matter.
"The Judiciary will look into this matter and will do justice in the matter..." she said.
On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Police launched an intensive checking campaign under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna (IPS) to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of Mahakumbh 2025.
The campaign focused on heightened surveillance of suspicious individuals and activities at key locations such as Sangam Ghat, pontoon bridges, and major intersections.
The Deputy Inspector General instructed all station in-charges to enhance vigilance in their respective jurisdictions and maintain a proactive approach to security. Special measures were implemented to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure public safety.
As part of the campaign, teams led by the Additional Superintendent of Police, Circle Officers, and Station In-charges conducted rigorous inspections of suspicious individuals, vehicles, and potential encroachments. Additional security reinforcements were deployed on pontoon bridges to bolster safety measures.
In preparation for the upcoming bathing festival, the police are further strengthening security arrangements. All police stations have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure a peaceful and incident-free Mahakumbh 2025.
Earlier today, DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna and SSP Kumbh Rajesh Dwivedi inspected the Kumbh Mela area.
A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a mock drill at Arail Ghat on Monday in line with the preparations for the Mahakumbh 2025.
The Mahakumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). The Mahakumbh will conclude on February 26.
The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).