Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj on Wednesday (February 5) during the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival. His visit comes days after a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela near the Sangam, which claimed the lives of at least 30 devotees and injured nearly 60 others during the ‘amrit snan’ (royal bath) on Mauni Amavasya.
The incident has sparked a heated political debate, with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav preparing to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
PM Modi’s Schedule in Prayagraj
As per the Prime Minister’s itinerary:
10:05 AM – Arrival at Prayagraj Airport.
10:10 AM – Travel to DPS Helipad.
10:45 AM – Reach Arail Ghat.
10:50 AM – Boat ride from Arail Ghat to Maha Kumbh.
11:00 – 11:30 AM – Scheduled visit at Maha Kumbh Mela, including the holy dip.
11:45 AM – Return by boat to Arail Ghat, then back to DPS Helipad and Prayagraj Airport.
12:30 PM – Departure from Prayagraj via Indian Air Force aircraft.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, rooted in Sanatan Dharma, and is believed to be an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and devotion.
According to a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, over 140 million people have taken the holy dip since the festival’s commencement. Among the prominent figures who have participated in the ritual are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, and the state’s current CM Yogi Adityanath.