MAHAKUMBH NAGAR: The Maha Kumbh Mela commenced at Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers — on Tuesday with more than 40 lakh people from different walks of life taking the first holy dip.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the Maha Kumbh to be held from January 13 to February 26 will elevate India’s ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence.”So far, more than 40 lakh people have taken a dip,” Maha Kumbh Mela officer Vijay Kiran Anand told PTI.Speaking about the significance of ‘Paush Purnima’, Ashutosh Varshney, the convenor of Prayagraj-based NGO Ram Naam Bank, said the occasion occurs on the 15th day of ‘Shukla Paksh’ in the Hindu calendar month of ‘Paush’.It also marks the initiation of ‘Kalpvasa’, a period of intense spiritual practice and devotion observed by pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh Mela, he added.Describing it as a very special day for those who cherish Indian values and culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the massive religious event embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage.”A very special day for crores of people who cherish Bharatiya values and culture! Maha Kumbh 2025 commences in Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony,” he said on X.
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