Mahakumbh 2025 is the world’s largest gathering, with an estimated 400 to 450 million visitors. It is scheduled from January 13 to February 26 at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. According to astronomical calculations, the 2025 edition is unique since the constellation alignment seen is witnessed once in 144 years.

The Kumbh Mela has also been recognized as part of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Mahant Ravindra Puri, president, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad talked to Manoj Bhadra of The Statesman about the success of the Mahakumbh as well as the stampede which claimed “30 lives”.

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Q: All three ‘Amrit snans’ at the revered Mahakumbh have ended with the active participation of all 13 akharas. What is your comment on the government arrangements this time?

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A: I have been attending all editions of the Ardh Kumbh and Mahakumbh since 1995. But this was the first time we enjoyed such excellent facilities… ‘Na buhuto, na bhavishyati’ (neither in the past nor there be another such in future). Besides, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was very concerned about the well being of the seers, and he personally attended to their problem. He himself visited the akharas to inspect their facilities several times. Q: Prayagraj Mahakumbh is also identified as the biggest ever Hindu conclave. A: We are fortunate that at last the Hindus have awakened and they have attended this Mahakumbh with their families and friends. This unity of the Hindus........

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