"Maha Kumbh is pride of Sanatan": Patanjali Ayurved's MD Acharya Balkrishna

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 28 (ANI): Patanjali Ayurved's Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna on Tuesday hailed the Maha Kumbh as the pride of Santan and urged the people to enjoy the festival and focus on internal purity.
Speaking to ANI, Balkrishna said, "Maha Kumbh is a pride of Sanatan. With holy dip at Triveni, we pray for happiness and to get rid of worldly and transcendental sorrow. All should enjoy this festival and should focus on internal purity."
Morning Aarti was performed at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Tuesday and over 4.55 million people, including 1 million Kalpawasis, have taken a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers on Tuesday as of 8 am, as per the Uttar Pradesh Information Department.
Meanwhile, over 150 million people have taken a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, and Yamuna rivers since the commencement of the event on January 13, as per the Uttar Pradesh Information Department.
Tomorrow is Mauni Amavasya, which is the day of the Second Shahi Snan. Over 80 to 100 million people are expected to attend the event. Other key bathing dates of the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
A devotee who came to Maha Kumbh said that despite the huge crowd, there was no stampede-like situation.
"It is natural to be excited about this event as it is happening after 144 years. This will happen again after many generations. The arrangements here are good. There is no stampede-like situation here despite such a large crowd," he told ANI.
Another devotee praised the facilities provided by the Uttar Pradesh government at the Maha Kumbh and said that they are good.
"It is a magnificent experience. There is a huge crowd but I didn't have any trouble. The people have immense devotion and faith. The facilities at the ghat are good," he told ANI.
Till now, several Union Ministers, including Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju have visited Maha Kumbh and have taken a dip at the Triveni Sangam.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday. Shah was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Baba Ram Dev, and other saints and sages.
The religious congregation has also witnessed an extraordinary influx of devotees from around the world.
Antonio, a pilgrim from Italy, has finally fulfilled his decade-long dream of attending the Kumbh Mela in India.
"I feel fantastic," Antonio exclaimed, adding, "There's a lot of blessings in this place. I was looking forward to this. I wanted to visit for over 10 years. And finally, I'm here."
Antonio's fascination with India's spiritual heritage began years ago. He had previously undertaken a 2,000-kilometer pilgrimage on foot, known as a "pad-yatra," which deepened his understanding and devotion to Indian saints.
Esther, a pilgrim from Spain, has found herself immersed in the spiritual energy of the Kumbh Mela. Initially, she felt overwhelmed by the large crowds, but as the day progressed, her experience transformed. "I'm feeling great right now," Esther said.
The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, is being held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
According to tradition, pilgrims flock to the Sangam--the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (now extinct) rivers--to take the holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation).
The Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to host over 45 crore visitors, marking a historic occasion for India. (ANI)