Govt should extend duration of Mahakumbh: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav
The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has been witnessing a massive influx of devotees from across the country, with millions flocking to the congregation to take a dip in the holy Ganges River. However, despite the massive turnout, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to extend the duration of the event. In a recent statement, Yadav claimed that the current schedule is shorter than previous years and that many devotees are unable to attend the event due to the limited time frame.
The Mahakumbh, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is held every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The event is a significant pilgrimage for millions of Hindus, who believe that taking a dip in the holy waters during the Mahakumbh can wash away their sins and bring them closer to the divine.
Speaking to the media, Yadav expressed concern over the limited time frame allocated for the Mahakumbh this year. “In previous years, the Mahakumbh used to last for 75 days, but this year, the schedule is much shorter. Even now, many people want to go to Mahakumbh but cannot. In such a situation, the government should extend the time limit,” he said.
Yadav’s demand has sparked a debate over the impact of the limited duration on the devotees who have been waiting for years to attend the event. Many devotees have been planning their pilgrimage for months, and the shortened schedule has left them with little time to make the journey.
The Uttar Pradesh government, which has been working hard to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, has not yet responded to Yadav’s demand. However, officials have confirmed that the government is considering ways to make the event more accessible to devotees.
The Mahakumbh is a significant event for the state government, which has been investing heavily in infrastructure and security measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees. The government has set up temporary camps, hospitals, and other facilities to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.
The event has also brought in significant economic benefits to the local economy, with thousands of vendors and traders setting up stalls and shops around the pilgrimage site. The government has also launched several initiatives to promote tourism in the region, with many tourists flocking to Prayagraj to experience the grandeur of the Mahakumbh.
Despite the challenges posed by the limited duration, the Mahakumbh has been a huge success so far, with millions of devotees taking a dip in the holy waters and participating in the various cultural and religious activities. The event has also brought together people from across the country, promoting unity and harmony among the devotees.
In conclusion, the demand for extending the duration of the Mahakumbh is a legitimate one, considering the massive turnout and the emotional attachment of the devotees to the event. The Uttar Pradesh government should consider Akhilesh Yadav’s demand and take steps to extend the schedule, ensuring that more devotees can participate in the event and experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the Mahakumbh.
