Prayagraj: PM Modi Inaugurates Projects for Maha Kumbh Prep

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Prayagraj, inaugurated multiple development projects to improve the city’s infrastructure and provide better amenities for pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh in 2025. Highlighting the event’s cultural, spiritual, and economic significance, the Prime Minister described the Maha Kumbh as a “mahayagya of unity” that transcends caste, sect, and regional differences, while promoting national integration and empowering communities economically.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit and Address

Infrastructure Development

• Inaugurated 167 development projects worth ₹5,500 crore.
• Projects aimed at enhancing city infrastructure, transportation, and amenities for the world’s largest religious gathering.
• Launch of Sah’AI’yak Chatbot, an AI-based platform for seamless communication with pilgrims.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

• Maha Kumbh 2025 will be held from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri).
• Expected to attract 40 crore people over 45 days.
• Prayagraj, as the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, holds a central role in uniting people and providing a spiritual experience.
• PM Modi recalled his bath at the Sangam during the previous Kumbh and his blessings at the Ganga during the visit.

Historical and Social Role

• Kumbh Mela has historically served as a platform for saints and sages to address national issues and drive social change.
• The Prime Minister emphasised its potential to strengthen social cohesion and economic empowerment.
• Highlighted that sanitation workers, with over 15,000 deployed, are integral to ensuring cleanliness at the event.

Government’s Commitment to Cultural Heritage

• Criticised past governments for neglecting the Kumbh and Indian culture.
• Lauded the current efforts to develop cultural circuits like Ramayana, Krishna, and Buddhist circuits.
• Recalled his 2019 gesture of washing the feet of sanitation workers, reflecting respect for their contributions.

Ceremonial Puja and Engagements

• Performed rituals, including Sangam Aarti, Jalabhishek, and Dudhbhishek, at the holy Sangam Nose.
• Visited the Akshay Vata Vriksha, Hanuman Mandir, and Saraswati Koop.
• Participated in the Maha Kumbh exhibition and interacted with saints.
• Received blessings and a pearl garland from saints.

PM Modi’s Vision for Maha Kumbh 2025

• Described the event as pivotal to taking India’s cultural and spiritual identity to new heights.
• Stressed its role in fostering social unity and economic growth for local communities.
• Prayed for global welfare and harmony during his ceremonial visit to the Triveni Sangam.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	PM Modi Inaugurates Projects for Maha Kumbh Prep
Event	Maha Kumbh 2025, described as a “mahayagya of unity”
Infrastructure Development	– 167 projects worth ₹5,500 crore inaugurated – Focus on city infrastructure, transportation, and amenities – Launch of Sah’AI’yak Chatbot, an AI-based platform for pilgrims’ communication
Dates	January 13, 2025 (Paush Poornima) to February 26, 2025 (Maha Shivratri)
Historical Significance	– Platform for saints to discuss national issues and inspire social change – Foundation for social cohesion and economic empowerment
Government Initiatives	– Development of cultural circuits (Ramayana, Krishna, Buddhist circuits) – Commitment to enhancing Kumbh infrastructure neglected by previous governments – Over 15,000 sanitation workers to ensure cleanliness
Ceremonial Activities	– Rituals at Triveni Sangam: Sangam Aarti, Jalabhishek, and Dudhbhishek – Visits to Akshay Vata Vriksha, Hanuman Mandir, Saraswati Koop – Participation in the Maha Kumbh exhibition
Key Messages from PM Modi	Maha Kumbh is a “mahayagya of unity” elevating cultural and spiritual identity – Emphasis on social cohesion, economic empowerment, and respect for Indian culture
Acknowledgment of Sanitation Workers	– Highlighted their key role in maintaining cleanliness – Recalled washing their feet in 2019 as a gesture of gratitude