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.
The Balochistan conflict between Pakistani forces and Balochi fighters has escalated with recent incidents of violence, leading to a greater concern for the region's stability. With certain parts of Balochistan no longer under the control of the central or provincial governments, experts fear for Pakistan's territorial integrity. In this critical situation, India's proactive approach and unique position in the region may be leveraged to mediate between the warring parties, but this will require de-hyphenation of India's domestic and foreign policies. The Prime Minister has an opportunity to seize the moment and demonstrate India's leadership in the region by engaging in dialogue with Pakistan.
In an exclusive report by CNN News18, top Indian intelligence sources have revealed that China should be worried about the rising attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) against Beijing's investments in Balochistan, Pakistan. The BLA, a separatist militant group, has showcased its evolving tactics and increasing operational sophistication with its recent hostage crisis on Tuesday. Sources also highlight that the BLA's internal coordination has become more structured, making it difficult to predict their movements and potential future threats.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been announced to receive the highest honour in Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to the Indian community who migrated to Mauritius. The award signifies the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations and India's commitment to regional peace and development.
The most powerful leaders in the world travel in the utmost style and security, and US presidents are no exception. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, is a testament to the advanced technology used to keep the commander-in-chief safe and efficient on the go. With features like antimissile countermeasures, secure communication lines, and self-sealing fuel tanks, the helicopters are a cornerstone of presidential transportation. Get an exclusive look inside the Marine One models that have served modern presidents and learn how they keep the leader of the free world safe while on the move.
No Smoking Day, observed on March 12, began in the UK in 1984 as a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and help people quit smoking. Over the years, it has become a global event supported by governments and healthcare groups. This day offers practical tools and resources to make quitting easier and has a positive approach towards reducing smoking rates. With millions of deaths and economic costs linked to tobacco every year, No Smoking Day plays a crucial role in saving lives and improving communities.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, met with Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius, during his two-day state visit to the southeast Asian nation. In a special gesture, PM Modi gifted holy Sangam water, traditional Mahkhana, a Banarasi Silk Saree and an idol of Lord Ganesha to the president and his wife. The two leaders engaged in talks on deepening the special and close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius, highlighting their shared history and strong people-to-people linkages. PM Modi also made a special visit to the Ayurveda Garden, established in collaboration with the Government of India, noting Mauritius as an important partner in advancing traditional medicine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius is aimed at further deepening the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a warm welcome by his Mauritian counterpart and the Indian diaspora, highlighting the close bond shared between the two countries. This visit, which marks PM Modi's first trip to Mauritius since 2015, holds special significance as it reiterates India's commitment to cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and its strong bond with the Indian-origin community in Mauritius.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day State Visit to Mauritius promises to strengthen the ties between India and the island nation. In addition to attending national day celebrations and meeting the country's top leadership, PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects focused on strengthening democracy and grassroots development in Mauritius. This includes the inauguration of the newly-constructed Civil Services College building and e-inauguration of 20 community projects across various sectors. The visit showcases India's continued support in strengthening governance and institutional capacity in Mauritius.
An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York (AI119) was forced to return mid-air after a note threatening a blast was discovered in the washroom. The flight safely landed in Mumbai where security agencies conducted mandatory checks on the aircraft. Passengers were provided with accommodations while officials conducted a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, actress Deepika Padukone discussed her personal and professional goals at the Forbes 30/50 Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, and also shared her biggest concern for her daughter, Dua.
Hundreds of people in Taiwan marched to honor the 66th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, protesting against China's cultural and ethnic genocide in Tibet. This year's march, attended by members of Taiwan's National Human Rights Commission for the first time, emphasized that Tibet has never been a part of China and called for attention to the ongoing human rights violations. Representative of the Tibetan government in exile to Taiwan, Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, highlighted that the Seventeen-Point Agreement signed by Tibet in 1951 was a deceptive tactic used by the Chinese Communist Party, leading to the deaths of over 1.2 million Tibetans.