Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 14 : Highlighting the significance of this year's Maha Kumbh, former MP and the BJP leader Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti on Tuesday termed it a "once in 144 years celebration" and said that it is extremely fortunate to be able to be part of this grand event.
Speaking to ANI, Jyoti said, "I have been attending the Kumbh Mela since 1982. This time the experience is very different. A new city has been set up. We are extremely fortunate to be able to be part of this once in 144 years celebration. It was amazing to see the presence of our youth here in large numbers."
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 continues to flourish with a remarkable spiritual celebration as over 35 million devotees performed the sacred Amrit Snan at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday
The event, which included devotional aarti ceremonies, was marked by a grand welcome, with the Uttar Pradesh government organising a flower shower from helicopters, adding to the divine ambience of the gathering.
The aarti ceremonies at the Triveni Sangam were a central highlight, drawing large crowds of devotees who chanted "Jai Shri Ram" and "Har Har Mahadev" in unison, creating an atmosphere of devotion. In a gesture of gratitude, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked all individuals and organisations involved in the success of the event.
The Chief Minister extended his greetings to the devotees, acknowledging the significance of the holy dip and the occasion. "Heartiest greetings to all revered saints, Kalpvasis, and devotees who took a holy dip of faith in the holy confluence on the auspicious occasion of holy 'Makar Sankranti' at the grand confluence of faith, equality, and unity 'Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj," he posted on X.
Meanwhile, classes from 1st to class 8th will remain closed on Wednesday in Prayagraj because of the traffic congestion after the first 'Shahi Snan' of Maha Kumbh on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Basic Education Officer, on the orders of the District Magistrate, issued a public notice ordering the closure of all English and Hindi medium schools till class 8th on January 15.
Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 450 million devotees are expected for the event. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26.