The curtains have fallen on the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, leaving behind staggering numbers and a blend of devotion, spectacle, and controversy. Estimates of attendees vary wildly, ranging from 16 crore to an unbelievable 66 crore. The true figure remains unknown, but one thing is certain—no other religious gathering in the world can match its sheer scale. While Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has every reason to celebrate the successful execution of this massive event, his attempt to draw comparisons with Hajj pilgrimages and Vatican visits was both misleading and unnecessary.
The Hajj pilgrimage is carefully regulated by Saudi Arabia, which imposes strict quotas to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety. It is a mandatory duty for Muslims, but only for those who can afford it. In contrast, Maha Kumbh saw active encouragement from the government, with officials urging people to attend in record numbers, regardless of their economic status. The Vatican, on the other hand, is primarily a cultural and historical site rather than a pilgrimage destination in the strict sense. Its annual 80 lakh visitors include not only Christian pilgrims but tourists of all faiths. To equate Maha Kumbh’s religious significance with these numbers is an exercise in flawed logic—comparing participation limits with open-ended gatherings, spiritual intent with tourism.
While the government’s enthusiasm in organizing such a vast event is commendable, some of its grand gestures bordered on theatrics. Helicopters showering 20 quintals of rose petals over crowds might have created a visually stunning moment, but was it necessary? Shouldn’t the primary focus have been on crowd control, sanitation, and ensuring the safety of pilgrims? Faith needs facilitation, not spectacle.
Despite the meticulous planning, the event was not without its shortcomings. Reports of stampedes and overcrowding were brushed aside or downplayed. More concerning was the Chief Minister’s claim that the Ganga’s water was pure enough to drink, despite reports highlighting pollution levels. Faith should not blind us to facts—responsible leadership demands accountability, not denial.
The sheer magnitude of Maha Kumbh requires a rethink on responsible crowd management. Other pilgrimage sites, such as Tirupati, have implemented well-regulated systems to ensure a smooth and safe experience for devotees. There is no sacrilege in ensuring that faith-based gatherings are organized with sustainability and safety in mind. Religion should never be exploited to set records or score political points.
Let faith remain a deeply personal experience, untainted by competition or theatrics. Let spirituality thrive on its own merit, without the need for inflated numbers or comparisons. Above all, let the sanctity of Maha Kumbh be preserved—not as a spectacle, but as a truly spiritual journey.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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