Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined millions of pilgrims at the Mahakumbh mela in Prayagraj, where over 13.21 crore people have already taken a dip in the holy waters. Accompanied by his family and top seers, Shah performed various rituals including the 'jal aachman' and 'aarti' at the Triveni Sangam. His visit was marked by unprecedented security measures as the area was made a no-vehicle zone. Shah expressed his eagerness to take part in this symbol of harmony and unity and receive the blessings of saints.
Shah Satnam Ji Maharaj and the Mahakumbh Mela
The Mahakumbh Mela is one of the most significant religious events in the Hindu tradition. Held every twelve years, it attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world to the holy city of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in India.
During the mela, devotees take a dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, known as the Triveni Sangam. This is believed to cleanse one of their sins and bring good fortune. The mela also features a variety of religious rituals, cultural performances, and charitable activities.
In recent years, the Mahakumbh Mela has become increasingly popular, with record numbers of pilgrims attending in 2013 and 2019. This year, over 13.21 crore people have already taken a dip in the holy waters.
Among the notable visitors to the 2023 Mahakumbh Mela was Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Accompanied by his family and top seers, Shah performed various rituals at the Triveni Sangam. His visit was marked by unprecedented security measures, as the area was made a no-vehicle zone.
Shah expressed his eagerness to take part in this symbol of harmony and unity and receive the blessings of saints. He also lauded the efforts of the organizers and volunteers in making the mela a success.
Background
The Mahakumbh Mela is said to have originated with the churning of the ocean of milk by the gods and demons. It is believed that during this process, four drops of nectar fell to earth at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These four cities now host the Kumbh Mela in rotation, with the Mahakumbh Mela being held every twelve years.
The first recorded Mahakumbh Mela was held in Prayagraj in 1775. Since then, it has grown in popularity and significance, becoming one of the most important religious events in the world.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Mahakumbh Mela?
The Mahakumbh Mela is a sacred event that is believed to cleanse devotees of their sins and bring them good fortune. It is also a time for religious introspection and spiritual growth.
2. How many people attend the Mahakumbh Mela?
The Mahakumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. In 2019, over 13.21 crore people took a dip in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam.
3. What are some of the rituals performed at the Mahakumbh Mela?
Devotees at the Mahakumbh Mela perform a variety of rituals, including taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam, offering prayers, and participating in religious ceremonies.
4. What are the security measures in place for the Mahakumbh Mela?
The Mahakumbh Mela is a high-security event, with a large number of police and security personnel deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
5. What are some of the challenges associated with organizing the Mahakumbh Mela?
One of the biggest challenges associated with organizing the Mahakumbh Mela is managing the large number of pilgrims. The mela also requires a significant amount of infrastructure and resources, including sanitation, transportation, and medical care.
A passenger plane and a US Army helicopter collided in mid-air near Washington DC's Ronald Reagan airport, resulting in the feared death of 67 individuals. The cause of the crash is currently unknown and investigations are ongoing. Data shows that the helicopter was flying above the allowed altitude before the collision, and air traffic recordings indicate that the controller attempted to warn the pilot. Authorities have recovered the flight data recorders and continue to search for bodies in the Potomac River.
As the names of the victims begin to emerge, the black boxes from the military helicopter and American Airlines passenger jet have been recovered and are being analyzed in a laboratory. The focus is now on understanding how the two aircrafts collided during a training exercise, leading to the death of 67 individuals. In the ongoing investigation, divers are set to search for more wreckage and aid in the recovery efforts.
In a fiery post on his new social media platform, Donald Trump has warned BRICS countries against any attempts to move away from the US dollar in global trade. The former US President has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on these countries and cut off their access to the US market if they continue with plans to create an alternative currency. Trump's statements highlight the ongoing struggle between the US and emerging economies like India, China and Brazil, who seek to reduce their dependence on the US dollar and increase financial integration among BRICS nations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of a fatal midair collision between a plane and helicopter in Washington DC. He also extended his solidarity with the people of the United States during this tragedy. US President Donald Trump also addressed the incident, stating that it was a real tragedy and the search and rescue effort has now shifted to a recovery mission with no survivors.
Despite numerous efforts to counter the practice of chhaupadi, which banishes menstruating females into isolated sheds, the deep-rooted fear of repercussions from their clan deity continue to perpetuate the harmful tradition in Western Nepal. Activists and locals share stories of faith in the deity and consequences of breaking chhau rules, leading to the suppression of chhaupadi-related deaths. The superstitious belief that menstruating females are impure extends to the use of family toilets, forcing women to search for alternative options in the jungle. While some deaths may be reported, many more are hidden due to the fear of speaking against the chhaupadi culture.
Tragic news shook Washington, DC as an American Airlines plane and a US Army helicopter collided midair near the Reagan National Airport, causing the death of all 64 passengers on both flights. Rescue operations quickly turned into recovery efforts as authorities confirmed that there were no survivors from the crash. As investigations begin into the cause of the collision in one of the most monitored airspaces in the world, President Trump offers his condolences to the victims and their families.
A TikTok user has shared a chilling experience of being on the same delayed flight as the father of a woman who died in the American Airlines crash in DC. In a video, he shares his experience and expresses his condolences for the victims and their families. The video serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic event and the impact it had on those who were connected to it in some way.
In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has called upon the billionaire founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk, to lead the mission to bring back two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, from the International Space Station. With NDTV's 'The World 24X7' hosted by Parmeshwar Bawa, stay up-to-date with the latest world news, analysis, and updates on this high-stakes rescue operation.
During his four-day visit to Japan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Kobe. In his post, he mentioned how Bapu's message of cleanliness has brought about change in the country and his disciplined and ideal life will continue to inspire people. The CM will also hold meetings with industrialists and promote investment opportunities in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He extended an invite to Japanese industrialists to attend the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal.