Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reflected on the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj — which concluded on Maha Shivratri — summarising the experience for millions of devotees and himself.

In a blog post, the prime minister highlighted the significant participation of young people, challenging the perception that the gathering primarily attracts older generations and the deeply spiritual. “The youth of the country have shown that they know what their Sanskar and Sanskriti stand for, and that has been a key highlight," PM Modi wrote.
He also acknowledged the devotees who undertook the pilgrimage to bathe in the holy Sangam, noting the warm welcome they received upon returning home. The impact was so profound that even those unable to attend felt blessed through the holy water brought back by their loved ones. “This was the Maha Yagya of India’s unity and India’s spiritual journey. It has awakened the conscience of the people of this country," the prime minister wrote.

Praising the administration’s efforts in successfully managing the 45-day event, PM Modi emphasised the importance of learning from past gatherings to handle such large crowds. “More than double the population of America had come to the Sangam for the holy dip and that in itself will be a new chapter, written about India endorsing its roots."

The prime minister, while acknowledging that the event drew criticism and political scrutiny from some quarters, stressed that the Maha Kumbh would become a case study for management, political, and spiritual experts. “This is going to bring a new dimension to India’s journey," he said.

The prime minister recognised the challenges of managing such a massive influx of devotees, stating that for him, the public represents a form of God and he apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 14 with the first ‘Amrit Snan’, concluded on February 26. Over 65 crore people, including seers, politicians, celebrities, business leaders, and common devotees took the holy dip in Sangam. People arrived by air, rail, road, and even on foot, travelling for kilometres to pay homage to the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.