On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, millions of devotees flocked to Prayagraj's Sangam to take part in the first 'amrit snan' (holy dip) of the Mahakumbh Mela. As the weather turned cold, authorities prepared bonfires and night shelters for the pilgrims. Amidst the serene rituals and Vedic chants, the Naga Sadhus dazzled onlookers with their skills and displays of traditional weapons. Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has set up a War Room to ensure the smooth running of train services for the 35 crore pilgrims expected to attend the mega festival.
Anamika Sharma, a skydiver from Uttar Pradesh, achieved a remarkable feat by hoisting the Mahakumbh flag at 13,000 feet in Bangkok, days before the world's biggest religious event, Mahakumbh, began in Prayagraj. The video of her adventure has gone viral, garnering over 8 million views and praise from social media users. Sharma's act is a testament to the endurance and determination of Indian women, and has brought attention to the ancient Hindu festival that dates back thousands of years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the start of Mahakumbh, recognizing it as a celebration of India's spiritual heritage and promoting unity and devotion among people.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a sacred religious gathering held every four years in India, has begun in the city of Prayagraj. With an expected attendance of 35 crore pilgrims, the Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest public gathering in the world. The event will feature five "Shahi Snans" (royal baths) on different auspicious dates, and is believed to have originated from the teachings of the 8th-century philosopher Shankara. The Kumbh Mela is organised based on the position of the Sun and Jupiter, and takes place every four years in four different Indian cities.
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Ji suggests that those who cannot attend the grand Mahakumbh can still receive the same spiritual benefits through the sacred water. This year's Mahakumbh, held once every 12 years, has an added significance due to a rare celestial alignment. People can also use Gangajal for their holy bath and perform charitable deeds for full spiritual rewards. Special services and initiatives, like the Triveni Sangam Water Delivery Service, are available for those who cannot attend the event.
A group of unidentified individuals threw a stone at the Tapti Ganga Express train carrying passengers to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj near Jalgaon railway station in Maharashtra. While no injuries were reported, a windowpane of coach B6 was shattered, causing panic among the passengers. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with passengers demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The Railway Police has registered a case and is currently investigating the matter.
The world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering, the Mahakumbh Mela, began on Monday in the holy city of Prayagraj, India. More than 40 lakh people from different backgrounds came together to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed the significance of this ancient tradition in a modern world and welcomed devotees and saints to the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kickstarted the preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 by inaugurating various developmental projects worth Rs. 5,500 crore in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. These projects, including new roads, flyovers, ghats, and riverfront roads, aim to improve connectivity and provide better amenities for the expected influx of devotees during the event. Additionally, Modi also launched initiatives to clean the Ganga by intercepting, diverting, and treating drains that currently lead untreated water into the sacred river, fulfilling his vision for a "Swachh and Nirmal Ganga."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing 'Startup Mahakumbh' today, a platform that brings together startups, innovators, and emerging entrepreneurs. In a tweet, PM Modi expressed pride in India's rapid progress in the world of startups and announced his upcoming address. This event is expected to bring together stakeholders and promote discussion and growth in the startup sector.
Minister Piyush Goyal, while speaking at the Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi, expressed his support for the Indian coffee brand Hatti Kaapi and its goal to go global and compete with international giants like Starbucks. With its traditional filter coffee and light food offerings, Hatti Kaapi has already seen considerable growth and success since its founding in Bengaluru in 2009, with over 110 outlets and worldwide shipping of its products. Minister Goyal's endorsement and pledge of government support for this homegrown brand is a promising sign for the Indian coffee industry.
At the 'Viksit Bharat Startup Mahakumbh 2024' event in New Delhi, BJP Mumbai Pradesh Vice President Hitesh Jain expressed confidence in India's startup ecosystem, stating that the country is expected to have 10-15 lakh startups and 500 unicorns, creating thousands of jobs for the youth. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a developed nation by 2047, with startups playing a crucial role in the economy. The event, attended by over 40,000 business visitors, aims to foster growth opportunities and networking among startups, investors, and industry leaders. The government's efforts with a startup-friendly policy are also expected to catalyze innovation and ease of doing business for young entrepreneurs.