PM Modi Lauds Mahakumbh 2025 Triumph in Lok Sabha Address

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the successful organization of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj showcased the essence of a resurgent India. He made these remarks while speaking about Mahakumbh in the Lok Sabha amid the current Parliament budget session.

“I bow to crores of people of the country who contributed to the success of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj,” Modi stated that the Prayagraj Mahakumbh embodies the essence of a resurgent India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (Sansad TV)

The Mahakumbh 2025, the latest edition of the Kumbh Mela—a Hindu pilgrimage festival celebrating Jupiter’s complete orbit around the Sun—took place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Described as the world’s largest gathering, it saw over 660 million people bathing in the river, as reported by the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Here are some of the standout quotes from Modi's speech in the Lok Sabha:

Many Forms of Amrit

“Many forms of 'Amrit' have emerged from the Mahakumbh. The 'Amrit' of unity is its most sacred offering. The Mahakumbh has been an event where people from every corner of the country have come together. Setting aside their egos, they have united in the spirit of 'Vayam'—not 'I,' but 'We'—in Prayagraj,” Modi said.

Although Prime Minister Modi commended the achievements of Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath faced backlash due to a stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela on January 29, which resulted in approximately 30 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Sense of unity

On Tuesday, Modi stated that individuals from various states joined together in the holy Triveni during the festival. "When millions from various regions strengthen the sense of nationality, the unity of the country grows. When people speaking different languages chant 'Har Har Gange' on the banks of the Sangam, it reflects the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' and enhances the feeling of unity," he said.

Modi mentioned that during his visit to Mauritius last week, he carried Gangajal with him. "This enthusiasm was not limited to just one place. I was in Mauritius… I had taken the sacred water from Maha Kumbh with me. When this holy water was offered at Mauritius' Ganga Talab, the atmosphere of devotion and celebration there was truly remarkable,” Modi said.

On March 17, Modi gifted 'Gangajal' from the Mahakumbh to US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.

The Grandeur of India Reflected in Mahakumbh

The Prime Minister stated in the Lok Sabha that the world witnessed India's magnificence through the Mahakumbh. “We witness a national awakening in the Maha Kumbh, which would inspire new achievements... This also gave a befitting reply to those who doubt our strength,” he said.

Modi stated that Mahakumbh has been a source of inspiration for us in many ways. "Our country has numerous small and big rivers, and many of them are facing crises. Taking inspiration from the Kumbh, we must expand the tradition of river festivals. We should definitely think about this, as it will help the current generation understand the importance of water. This will strengthen efforts to clean and protect our rivers," he said. 

(This Article was originally published by Mint)