Name: Smriti Irani concedes defeat, thanks PM Modi, Yogi for letting her serve Amethi
Uploaded: 2024-06-04T19:02:45.000+05:30
Duration: T01M19S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Smriti Irani thanked the people of Amethi for letting her serve the constituency for the past 5 years.

With just 15 days left for Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude, over 45 crore devotees have taken a dip at Sangam since the event began. The grand religious gathering in Prayagraj is expected to see a total footfall of 55 crore by February 26.

Maha Kumbh: Over 45 crore people have taken dip at Sangam, says UP govt

With just 15 days left for Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude, over 45 crore devotees have taken a dip at Sangam since the event began. The grand religious gathering in Prayagraj is expected to see a total footfall of 55 crore by February 26.

With just 15 days to go for the Maha Kumbh to end, over 45 crore people have taken a dip at Sangam since the grand event began on January 13, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Tuesday.
The Maha Kumbh will end on February 26 with the last major 'snan' on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
In a statement, the state government said that nearly 55 crore people are expected to visit Prayagraj by the end of the Maha Kumbh.
Even after the three significant &lsquo;amrit snans&rsquo; on Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami, the enthusiasm of pilgrims arriving in the holy city remains unwavering, it said.
On Tuesday, 74.96 lakh people took a dip at the Sangam by 10 am.
According to the statement, Mauni Amavasya saw the highest footfall of devotees as 8 crore people took a dip that day. Meanwhile, 3.5 crore people participated in the amrit snan on Makar Sankranti and 2.57 crore devotees on Basant Panchami.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among the prominent political leaders who took a holy dip at Sangam.
Meanwhile, Bollywood actors Anupam Kher, Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal, cricketer Suresh Raina and Wrestler Khali were among the prominent personalities who took part in the Maha Kumbh, the statement added.

BJP's Chandrabhanu Paswan wins Milkipur bypoll with a massive margin, defeating SP's Ajit Prasad. CM Yogi Adityanath calls it an end to 'pariwarwad,' while Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of electoral manipulation.

Uttar Pradesh: BJP crushes SP in milkipur bypolls, wins by 60,000+ votes

BJP's Chandrabhanu Paswan wins Milkipur bypoll with a massive margin, defeating SP's Ajit Prasad. CM Yogi Adityanath calls it an end to 'pariwarwad,' while Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of electoral manipulation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the Milkipur Assembly bypoll, marking a significant political win.
BJP candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan triumphed over Samajwadi Party's (SP) Ajit Prasad by an overwhelming margin of 61,710 votes.
The bypoll was necessitated after former MLA Awadhesh Prasad vacated the seat following his victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Faizabad, which includes the Ayodhya assembly segment.
Despite its historic connection to the region, the BJP had lost Faizabad within just five months of the consecration of the Ram Temple.&nbsp;
In the bypoll, SP fielded Prasad&rsquo;s son as its candidate, but he managed only 84,687 votes&mdash;falling short by over 60,000 votes compared to Paswan, who secured 1,46,397 votes.
Following BJP&rsquo;s landslide victory, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took aim at the Samajwadi Party, asserting that the election result signaled the end of dynastic politics and misinformation.
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दिल्ली विधान सभा चुनाव और उत्तर प्रदेश के अयोध्या जनपद की मिल्कीपुर विधान सभा उप चुनाव का परिणाम झूठ एवं लूट की राजनीति पर पूर्ण विराम का स्पष्ट संकेत है... <a href="https://t.co/714Q9fIzzZ">pic.twitter.com/714Q9fIzzZ</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1888169428178931834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
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"The results of Milkipur by-elections will put a full stop to the politics of 'pariwarwad' and lies...The people have made it clear that no matter how much propaganda is done by the Samajwadi Party, the public is going to punish them," CM Yogi stated.
On the other hand, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of manipulating the electoral process to secure the win.
"BJP cannot face the growing power of PDA on the basis of votes, that is why it tries to win by misusing the electoral machinery. The level of manipulation of officials required to carry out such electoral fraud may be possible in one assembly constituency, but this 'four hundred BC' will not work in 403 assemblies. BJP members also know this, that is why BJP members postponed the by-election of Milkipur. PDA means 90% of the people have seen this fraud with their own eyes," Yadav wrote on X.
Labeling the victory as illegitimate, Yadav further remarked:
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पीडीए की बढ़ती शक्ति का सामना भाजपा वोट के बल पर नहीं कर सकती है, इसीलिए वो चुनावी तंत्र का दुरुपयोग करके जीतने की कोशिश करती है। ऐसी चुनावी धांधली करने के लिए जिस स्तर पर अधिकारियों की हेराफेरी करनी होती है, वो 1 विधानसभा में तो भले किसी तरह संभव है, लेकिन 403 विधानसभाओं में&hellip;
&mdash; Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1888134376942416180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
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"This is a false victory, which the BJP will never be able to celebrate by looking into their own eyes in the mirror. Their guilt and fear of future defeat will keep them awake," he alleged.
BJP&rsquo;s strong performance in Milkipur comes on the heels of its massive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, where the party ended AAP&rsquo;s decade-long rule and returned to power after 27 years.
The win in Delhi reinforced the BJP&rsquo;s growing electoral dominance and was widely credited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s leadership and Home Minister Amit Shah&rsquo;s strategic planning.
With these back-to-back victories, the BJP has further solidified its position ahead of crucial upcoming state elections. ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-elections-2025-bjp-returns-to-power-after-27-years-aap-faces-crushing-defeat-1739021624135" target="_blank">Delhi Elections 2025: BJP returns to power after 27 years, AAP faces crushing defeat</a>

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath began his Uttarakhand tour by visiting his ancestral village, inaugurating a Kisan fair, and promoting self-reliance through agriculture and animal husbandry. 

Yogi Adityanath visits ancestral village in Uttarakhand, inaugurates two-day Kisan fair

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath began his Uttarakhand tour by visiting his ancestral village, inaugurating a Kisan fair, and promoting self-reliance through agriculture and animal husbandry.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath began his three-day tour of Uttarakhand on Thursday by visiting his ancestral village, Panchur, in Pauri district where he inaugurated a two-day Kisan fair.
He also offered flowers to the statue of his spiritual guru, Mahant Avaidyanath, at Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Government College in Vithyani.
He also paid tribute to General Bipin Rawat, the country&rsquo;s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), by offering flowers at his statue. During his visit, the chief minister inspected various stalls at the Kisan Mela, taking a close look at modern agricultural devices.
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देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड के यमकेश्वर, पौड़ी गढ़&zwnj;वाल में आज देश के प्रथम CDS 'पद्म विभूषण' जनरल बिपिन रावत जी की प्रतिमा पर पुष्पांजलि अर्पित कर उन्हें श्रद्धांजलि दी। राष्ट्र के प्रति उनकी सेवा अविस्मरणीय है, उनके साहस एवं शौर्य को नमन! <a href="https://t.co/yhWxXxCFYv">pic.twitter.com/yhWxXxCFYv</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1887428928228274619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the fair, he said that self-reliance can be achieved through better use of local resources, promoting agriculture and animal husbandry, which can help stop the continued migration from the hills.
He cited Uttarakhand&rsquo;s potential in the dairy and animal husbandry sectors and spoke about the benefits of goat milk, which is helpful in the treatment of many diseases.
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उत्तराखण्ड के जनपद पौड़ी गढ़&zwnj;वाल में आयोजित किसान मेले में... <a href="https://t.co/aLrlVxZBcS">https://t.co/aLrlVxZBcS</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1887405443204427982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Yogi expressed happiness that goats and poultry were being distributed to the local people through the Kisan fair.
Describing Uttarakhand as the &ldquo;crown jewel&rdquo; of India, he said it is also very important from the perspective of national security.
He appealed to people to work towards making the state drug-free and to make it the best state in the country.
He also praised Pantnagar Agricultural University for making an important contribution to food security by starting the Green Revolution and for setting up many stalls at the fair.
CM Adityanath inaugurated a 100-foot-high tricolor flag and the fair at a nearby park named after his late father, Anand Singh Bisht.
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उत्तराखण्ड के जनपद पौड़ी गढ़&zwnj;वाल में आयोजित किसान मेले में... <a href="https://t.co/aLrlVxZBcS">https://t.co/aLrlVxZBcS</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1887405443204427982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He remembered the important roles played by both his spiritual guru, Mahant Avaidyanath, and his father in the establishment of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Government College in Vithyani.
He also distributed cheques for various schemes among the beneficiaries.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh's 2025-26 excise policy introduces a transparent e-lottery for liquor licenses, enhances safety, and supports farmers with fruit-based liquor initiatives.

UP Cabinet approves excise policy 2025-26: e-lottery system introduced for liquor shops

The 2025-26 excise policy in Uttar Pradesh focuses on transparent liquor licensing via e-lottery, safety advancements, and farmer support through fruit-based liquor incentives, fostering economic growth.

Uttar Pradesh's 2025-26 Excise Policy introduces e-lottery for transparent liquor licensing, safety enhancements, new bottle sizes, and supports farmers with fruit-based liquor initiatives.

New Policy to Enhance Transparency, Introduce Tetra Packaging, and Boost Fruit-Based Liquor Production
In a major policy shift, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the excise policy for the financial year 2025-26. A key highlight of the new policy is the introduction of an e-lottery system for managing all liquor shops in the state, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in the licensing process.
Announcing the decision, State Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal stated that the new system will apply to all desi liquor shops, composite shops, model shops, and bhang shops. Under the e-lottery system, each applicant will be allowed to apply only once, and no more than two shops will be allotted per applicant.
Revised Processing Fee Categories
The processing fee for liquor shop applications has been categorized into five tiers based on location:
Category 1: Municipal corporation areas of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Kanpur (within a 3 km radius). Fees: ₹65,000 for desi liquor, ₹90,000 for composite shops, ₹1 lakh for model shops, and ₹25,000 for cannabis shops.
 Category 2: Metro areas outside the first category (within a 3 km radius). Fees: ₹60,000, ₹85,000, ₹90,000, and ₹25,000, respectively.
 Category 3: All municipal areas (within a 3 km radius). Fees: ₹50,000, ₹75,000, ₹80,000, and ₹25,000, respectively.
 Category 4: Nagar Panchayat boundaries (within a 3 km radius). Fees: ₹45,000, ₹65,000, ₹70,000, and ₹25,000, respectively.
 Category 5: Rural areas. Fees: ₹40,000, ₹55,000, ₹60,000, and ₹25,000, respectively.
 New Liquor Packaging and Licensing Updates
To enhance safety and prevent adulteration, country liquor will now be mandatorily sold in tetra packs instead of glass bottles. Additionally, the government has introduced 90ml bottles in the regular foreign liquor category, along with 60ml and 90ml bottles in the premium segment.
The Minimum Guarantee Quota (MGQ) for country liquor has been increased by 10%, maintaining last year&rsquo;s policy trend. Additionally, the license fee per bulk liter has been increased from ₹254 to ₹260.
Support for Farmers in Fruit-Based Liquor Production
The excise policy also includes incentives for farmers engaged in fruit-based liquor production. A dedicated liquor shop will be set up at every district headquarters to promote their products. The licensing fee for these shops has been set at ₹50,000 for divisional and district headquarters and ₹30,000 for other district locations.
With these measures, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to streamline liquor sales, enhance consumer safety, and support local farmers in the growing fruit-based liquor sector.
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Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, acccompanied by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Tuesday, taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam. 

Maha Kumbh: Bhutan King takes holy dip at Triveni Sangam with CM Yogi Adityanath

Bhutan&rsquo;s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, acccompanied by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Tuesday, taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.&nbsp;

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday visited the Maha Kumbh and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.&nbsp;
Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the king performed several rituals, including offering 'arghya' to the Sun before entering the sacred waters.&nbsp;
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यत्सेवया देवनृदेवतादि- देवर्षयः प्रत्यहमामनन्ति। स्वर्गं च सर्वोत्तमभूमिराज्यं स तीर्थराजो जयति प्रयागः॥ महाकुम्भ-2025, प्रयागराज में आज भूटान के महामहिम नरेश जिग्मे खेसर नामग्याल वांगचुक जी ने पवित्र त्रिवेणी संगम में पावन स्नान कर पुण्य प्राप्त किया <a href="https://t.co/33Gq2UOPbs">pic.twitter.com/33Gq2UOPbs</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1886679280110735570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The King, who arrived at the airport wearing a formal Gho (the traditional Bhutanese dress for men) and Kera (a belt), was welcomed with an orange stole by Adityanath.
Later, King Wangchuck was seen wearing a saffron-colored kurta and pyjama as he took the holy dip in the Triveni Sangam. Alongside the King and Chief Minister Adityanath were Uttar Pradesh ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta, along with newly-appointed Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das ji Maharaj (Satua Baba). This event was captured in pictures shared by the state government.
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, performs aarti at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahaKumbh2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahaKumbh2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/M9nmnUSgb3">pic.twitter.com/M9nmnUSgb3</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886668192770351114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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King Wangchuck, who arrived in Lucknow on Monday, was greeted with cultural performances by local artistes. He then visited Raj Bhavan, where he was hosted by Governor Anandiben Patel.&nbsp;
During this visit, he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi's statue. The King, the Governor, and the Chief Minister had detailed discussions about India-Bhutan relations. The state government expressed that the visit would strengthen the cultural ties and friendship between India and Bhutan.
In December 2024 and March 2024, King Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan had previously visited Delhi. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Bhutan's highest civilian honor, the 'Order of Druk Gyalpo'.
By 12 noon on Tuesday, more than 54 lakh devotees had taken part in the Maha Kumbh, with the total number of devotees who have participated since January 13 reaching over 37.5 crore. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26.

The third Amrit Snan at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela saw over 2.57 crore devotees participate in the sacred dip at Sangam on Basant Panchami, with heightened safety measures following the deadly stampede.

Maha Kumbh: Over 2.5 crore take 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami amid heightened safety measures

The third Amrit Snan at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela saw over 2.57 crore devotees participate in the sacred dip at Sangam on Basant Panchami, with heightened safety measures following the deadly stampede.

The third &lsquo;Amrit Snan&rsquo; at the Maha Kumbh proceeded smoothly on Monday with lakhs of people taking a dip on the occasion of Basant Panchmi and akharas resuming the grand processions curtailed last week when a stampede killed at least 30 people.
By 8 am, over 62.25 lakh devotees had taken the ritual dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. The figure swelled to over 2.57 crore till 8 pm, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
After the stampede that broke out at the Sangam on &lsquo;Mauni Amavasya&rsquo; (January 29), the state government mounted up safety measures with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directing officials to adopt a &lsquo;zero-error&rsquo; approach.
Unlike the Mauni Amavasya dip when crowd pressure built up at the Sangam, many devotees this time took to other ghats instead of jostling for space at the confluence exhibiting self-awareness amid heightened security and crowd control measures in the Mela area, according to officials.
Chief Minister Adityanath monitored the situation from his official residence in Lucknow since 3.30 am, they said.
DIG (Maha Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna said that in light of the January 29 stampede, additional force was deployed at all pressure points for crowd management.
&ldquo;Everything is running smoothly today,&rdquo; he said during a pre-dawn patrolling in the Mela area.
Later in the day, the DIG and some other senior officers went around the Mela area on horseback to assess crowd management.
&ldquo;Our crowd management has been good today, which is visible. No untoward incident has been reported from anywhere yet. Additional deployment has been made at the pressure points. The Amrit Snan is progressing smoothly as per order,&rdquo; Krishna said.
On Monday night, the government said to ensure a smooth and secure bathing experience at the Maha Kumbh, extensive security arrangements were implemented.
Personnel from police, PAC, STF, ATS, paramilitary forces, and bomb disposal squads were deployed at key locations, including intersections, pontoon bridges, Akhara routes, and ghats, the government said.
Water police, trained divers, SDRF, NDRF, and flood company personnel closely monitored the Sangam and other ghats. Surveillance was enhanced with CCTV cameras, drones, and real-time monitoring at the Integrated Command Control Centre.
Public announcements provided safety instructions, while 36 designated parking zones minimized walking distance to the ghats, the government said.
Senior officials supervised crowd control and security throughout the day, ensuring devotees&rsquo; safety, it added.
The government said it expected a footfall of around five crore pilgrims through Monday. At break of dawn, seers from various akharas, including the ash-smeared Naga sadhus, began their ceremonial journey towards the Triveni Sangam.
By 3 pm, almost all akharas had completed their bath and started returning to their camps. Helicopters were used to shower rose petals upon the seers and pilgrims at the site considered among most sacred by Hindus.
Juna Akhara Peethadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj said, &ldquo;The entire world is looking at India, at our social harmony and spiritual values.&rdquo; As per tradition, akharas belonging to three sects &mdash; Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen &mdash; took the holy dip in a pre-determined sequence.
According to the schedule released by Maha Kumbh authorities, the Amrit Snan (formerly &lsquo;Shahi Snan&rsquo;) commenced at 4 am with akharas of the Sanyasi sect.
Leading the sacred procession were Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara, Taponidhi Panchayati Niranjani Akhara, Panchayati Akhara Anand, Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, Panchdashnam Avahan Akhara, and Panchagni Akhara.
Each akhara was allotted a 40-minute window, with the first procession completing the ritual and returning to their camps by 8.30 am.
Next in line were the akharas of the Bairagi sect, whose bathing sequence began at 8.25 am. The processions included the All India Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara, All India Panch Digamber Ani Akhara, and All India Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara.
After their turn concluded at 12.35 pm, Udaseen sect, the final group, entered the sacred waters. This sect comprised the Panchayati Naya Udaseen Akhara, Panchayati Akhara Bada Udaseen Nirvana, and Panchayati Nirmal Akhara, which was the last to undertake the snan and left Sangam after 3 pm.
The akharas moved in processions, led by their mahants and mahamandaleshwars on decked-up chariots carrying their &lsquo;Isht Dev&rsquo; (cherished deity) in palanquins for the holy bath, with hundreds of Naga sadhus and saffron-clad seers also joining in.
The Naga sadhus wore only ash on their bodies from head to toe along with garlands of marigold and rose, while other seers were adorned with their traditional ornaments and carried holy insignias as they marched towards the Sangam for the dip.
In a message posted on X, Adityanath congratulated all those taking part in the Amrit Snan, saying, &ldquo;Greetings to all saints, akharas, Kalpvasis, and devotees who have taken the holy dip.&rdquo; Devotees expressed their happiness as they took a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh.
Sarthak from Delhi said, &ldquo;I feel spiritual after coming here. My mind found peace after completing the snan.&rdquo; Niranjan Mishra from Pashupatinath in Nepal said he was happy to be at the Kumbh, adding that he found the arrangements and police assistance impressive.
&ldquo;It was incredible to witness the (akhara) processions,&rdquo; said Shyam Prakash, another devotee.
Walking along with Naga sadhus and other seers, Crystal who came from Belgium said, &ldquo;I feel very happy to be here. It&rsquo;s special and divine.&rdquo; She also said she was thankful to her friends who introduced her to Sanatan Dharma.
Meenakshi Giri from Mahanirvani Akhara, who is originally from Russia, said, &ldquo;This is a very holy moment of my life. I have been following Sanatan Dharma for the past 17 years.&rdquo; Held once in 12 years, the Maha Kumbh has been marked by an unmatched spiritual energy, with lakhs of devotees camping at the fairgrounds.
Astrologers believe that this year&rsquo;s &lsquo;Triveni Yog&rsquo; is a rare celestial alignment which occurs once in 144 years, making the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, which will continue till February 26, particularly auspicious.
So far, the highest single-day turnout was seen on Mauni Amavasya when eight crore devotees bathed in the Sangam, the government said.
While 3.5 crore people gathered on Makar Sankranti (January 14), over two crore people took the dip on January 30 and February 1, and 1.7 crore on Paush Purnima (January 13), it said.
Since January 13 till end of Sunday, over 34.97 crore devotees have visited the Maha Kumbh, it added.
While Monday&rsquo;s is the last of the three Amrit Snans, two more special bathing dates fall on February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Mahashivratri) before the culmination of the world&rsquo;s largest spiritual congregation.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ensures smooth execution of the 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami. Over 1.65 million devotees took part in the sacred dip at Triveni Sangam by 4 am, marking the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela's success.

Maha Kumbh: CM Yogi Adityanath monitors 'Amrit Snan' preparations during Basant Panchami

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ensures smooth execution of the 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami. Over 1.65 million devotees took part in the sacred dip at Triveni Sangam by 4 am, marking the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela's success.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been diligently overseeing the 'Amrit Snan' during the Basant Panchami celebrations.&nbsp;
Starting from 3:30 am, the Chief Minister has been receiving updates and issuing instructions to the Director General of Police (DGP), Principal Secretary Home, and other officials from the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Office at the war room of his official residence, as stated by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
DIG Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, provided insights into the arrangements, saying, "The arrangements are very nice, and today our crowd control measures are well in place. The snan of all Akharas has concluded successfully. Mahanirvani Akhara, Niranjani Akhara, and Juna Akhara have successfully done their snan, and other Akharas will also take part in the snan successfully."&nbsp;
The Maha Kumbh Mela, an iconic event drawing millions of devotees, is crucial to the region, and ensuring the smooth execution of the 'Amrit Snan' is a top priority for the state government.
The holy dip is performed by various Akharas, significant for their spiritual and ritualistic roles, as part of the auspicious Basant Panchami festivities.&nbsp;
Over 12.5 million devotees participated in the third and final Shahi Snan of the Mahakumbh by 12 pm on Monday, celebrating Basant Panchami.
By 8 am, 6.2 million had already bathed in the Triveni Sangam, achieving a significant milestone. To mark the auspicious occasion, flower petals were showered from a helicopter as part of the Basant Panchami festivities.
The sacred ritual, starting with Naga Sadhus taking their plunge at the ghats, is part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
"Amrit Snan started on the Ghats by Naga Sadhus. With faith and devotion, the banks of Triveni are witnessing the ancient Indian culture and traditions," stated the Maha Kumbh administration in a post on X.&nbsp;
According to the Uttar Pradesh Information Department, as of February 3, over 340 million (34 crore) devotees have participated in the sacred ritual since the commencement of the Maha Kumbh Mela on January 13.&nbsp;
Additionally, the number of Kalpwasis&mdash;devotees observing spiritual austerities for a month&mdash;has surpassed 1 million, further contributing to the growing spiritual fervor surrounding the event.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath appealed to devotees at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj to avoid the crowded Sangam Ghat and instead take a dip at nearby ghats. His appeal followed a stampede-like situation that resulted in several injuries.

Maha Kumbh stampede: CM Yogi Adityanath assures 'situation under control'

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath appealed to devotees at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj to avoid the crowded Sangam Ghat and instead take a dip at nearby ghats. His appeal followed a stampede-like situation that resulted in several injuries.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to devotees attending the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj to take a holy dip at the ghats closest to them, advising against heading to the Sangam Ghat due to the overwhelming crowds.&nbsp;
His appeal followed a stampede-like situation early in the morning that resulted in several injuries. The Chief Minister stated that around 8 to 10 crore devotees were present in Prayagraj that day, putting significant pressure on the movement of people toward the Sangam Nose. He confirmed that some devotees sustained serious injuries while trying to cross barricades on Akhara Marg.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says," The situation in Prayagraj is under control..." "Around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj today. There is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose. A few devotees have&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/lOc1OIraqm">pic.twitter.com/lOc1OIraqm</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1884463182913449992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
"Around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj today. There is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose. A few devotees have suffered serious injuries when they tried to cross barricading on Akhara Marg. The injured have been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment," CM Yogi Adityanath explained.&nbsp;
He added that the influx of devotees had significantly increased since the Mauni Amavasya mahurat began the previous night.
CM Yogi also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Governor Anandiben Patel were constantly monitoring the situation.&nbsp;
"The PM has taken stock of the situation four times till now. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel are also continuously taking reports of the situation," he noted.
Addressing the situation further, Yogi Adityanath reassured the public, stating, "The situation in Prayagraj is under control, but the crowd size remains massive. The saints of different Akharas have humbly said that devotees should take a holy dip first and once crowds reduce, Akharas will proceed for the holy dip."&nbsp;
He advised against focusing solely on the Sangam Nose, as there were large crowds at other locations like Nag Vasuki Marg and Sangam Marg.&nbsp;
"I appeal to the devotees to not pay attention to any rumour. Ghats have been made in the entire Kumbh area; devotees don't need to move towards Sangam Nose only. Devotees should take a holy dip at the ghats nearest to them," he urged, while ensuring the injured were receiving proper medical treatment.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that Indian Railways had arranged special trains to facilitate the swift movement of devotees.&nbsp;
"The Railways have organised special trains from different stations of the Prayagraj region to take devotees back to their respective destinations," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the stampede-like situation and wished for the quick recovery of all the injured.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुखद है। इसमें जिन श्रद्धालुओं ने अपने परिजनों को खोया है, उनके प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। इसके साथ ही मैं सभी घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं। स्थानीय प्रशासन पीड़ितों की हरसंभव मदद में जुटा हुआ है। इस सिलसिले में मैंने&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1884486027215266267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
The stampede-like incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, as millions gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy dip during Mauni Amavasya, which also marked the Second Shahi Snan.&nbsp;
As of 10 am, the Uttar Pradesh government reported that 36.1 million devotees had bathed in the Triveni Sangam.

PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath monitor the MahaKumbh after a stampede-like situation at Sangam. Akhara Parishad resumes the Holy Dip, urging devotees to follow safety guidelines.

Maha Kumbh stampede: PM Modi closely monitoring the situation, speaks to UP CM

PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath monitor the MahaKumbh after a stampede-like situation at Sangam. Akhara Parishad resumes the Holy Dip, urging devotees to follow safety guidelines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation at the MahaKumbh following a stampede-like incident early in the morning.&nbsp;
He remains in constant communication with the state government and has spoken with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times this morning, providing directives to help normalize the situation and facilitate relief efforts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reached out to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the wake of the incident at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Mahakumbh Mela. Shah assured Adityanath of the Centre&rsquo;s full support in handling the situation.
After the Akharas initially called off the Holy Dip for the day, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, confirmed that the Akharas will now resume their 'snan' today.&nbsp;
He emphasized that they are maintaining continuous communication with the Mela administration. Speaking to ANI, Puri said, "Our snan was postponed in the morning after a massive crowd gathered at the ghats. We tried to postpone our plan. Now that the crowd has reduced and the ghats meant for our snan are being vacated, it seems that all Akharas will be able to do snan today... We all, our all Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Naga Sadhus and devotees, will take a holy dip today..."
Puri further stated that the Akharas would still hold their traditional procession, albeit on a smaller scale. He also mentioned that the holy dip could take place even at night. "Our processions will be carried out as usual according to our tradition but will be on a smaller scale... We are in regular contact with the Mela administration... We have a lot of time and we are in no hurry. We can do snan even at night, as it is Mauni Amavasya today..." he added.
Following the stampede-like situation at Mahakumbh, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad attributed the incident to the "spread of misinformation."&nbsp;
He remarked, "In the morning, misinformation was spread to create fear in the minds of people. And they succeeded. In the morning when we talked to everyone, we found that the reality was different and a lot of rumours were spread... I want to urge people to not run towards Sangam and take a dip wherever they find Ganga ji..."
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to take their holy dip at the nearest available ghat instead of converging at a single location.&nbsp;
He posted on X, "Dear devotees, come to Prayagraj. Take a bath at the ghat of Mother Ganga near which you are; do not try to go towards Sangam Nose. All of you should follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate in making arrangements. People are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam. Do not pay any attention to any rumours."
The incident occurred as an enormous gathering of devotees assembled at the Sangam Ghats for the 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya.'&nbsp;
This event marks the second Shahi Snan and is expected to attract between 80 to 100 million pilgrims. Other significant bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami&mdash;Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

A tragic stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj left over seven dead. Enhanced crowd management urged as the festival continues.

Maha Kumbh stampede tragedy: What we know so far

Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj saw a tragic stampede resulting in over seven fatalities. Authorities focus on improving safety measures for ongoing and future gatherings.

A stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj killed over seven people. The chaos unfolded during a sacred dip. Authorities are enhancing crowd control for upcoming gatherings.

A massive stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, early Wednesday morning led to the tragic loss of over seven lives and left around 10 others injured. The incident occurred as tens of millions gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, the most auspicious day of the six-week-long Hindu festival.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Drone footage from the scene captured a sea of devotees arriving in the pre-dawn darkness at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The stampede broke out around 1 a.m. local time, reportedly when a barrier collapsed, causing panic. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people trampled over each other, desperately trying to escape.
&ldquo;I saw many people falling and getting walked on by the crowd&hellip; many children and women got lost, crying for help,&rdquo; said Ravin, a devotee who had traveled from Mumbai for the festival.
Authorities rushed to contain the situation, deploying the Rapid Action Force (RAF) for rescue efforts. Despite the quick response, several casualties were reported. A Reuters witness saw multiple dead bodies as ambulances rushed towards the riverbank.
Immediate Response and Official Statements Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, directing officials to ensure swift relief and normalization of the situation. Adityanath appealed to devotees to take a dip at the nearest riverbanks instead of trying to reach the main confluence.
&ldquo;All of you should follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate in making arrangements,&rdquo; the CM urged in a post on X.
The 'royal bath' ritual was briefly paused following the incident but later resumed on a smaller scale. &ldquo;Now that the crowd has reduced and the ghats are being vacated, our processions will continue as per tradition, but on a smaller scale,&rdquo; said ascetic Ravindra Puri.
Akharas Skip Holy Dip in Wake of Incident
In response to the tragedy, all Akharas&mdash;sects of Hindu ascetics&mdash;decided to forgo their ritualistic bath for the day. &ldquo;We need to keep the problems faced by the common people in mind. All Akharas have agreed to refrain from taking a holy dip today. We will now joyfully take our dip on Vasant Panchami (February 2),&rdquo; said Niranjani Akhara chief Kailashanand Giri.
Massive Crowd, Heightened Measures
Authorities had anticipated record-breaking crowds of nearly 100 million devotees on Wednesday due to a rare celestial alignment occurring after 144 years. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, has already witnessed over 148 million visitors.
To manage the influx, authorities had increased security personnel, medical teams, and arranged special trains and buses. AI-powered crowd management systems were also in place, yet the stampede occurred, echoing the tragic 2013 Maha Kumbh incident, where at least 36 pilgrims lost their lives under similar circumstances.
Looking Ahead
As rescue operations continue and officials assess the situation, the focus remains on preventing further mishaps. With the festival running until February 26, authorities are expected to implement stricter crowd control measures to ensure the safety of millions who are yet to arrive for their holy dip.
This unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges posed by massive religious gatherings, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced crowd management strategies in future events. &nbsp;

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Smriti Irani thanked the people of Amethi for letting her serve the constituency for the past 5 years.

Smriti Irani concedes defeat, thanks PM Modi, Yogi for letting her serve Amethi  

Smriti Irani thanked the people of Amethi for letting her serve the constituency for the past 5 years.

BJP leader Smriti Irani thanked the people of Amethi for letting her serve the constituency for the past 5 years, as she conceded defeat against Congress nominee Kishori Lal Sharma.
"I thank all the BJP workers and supporters who gave their all in serving the party. I had the opportunity to fulfill all the demands of the constituency that were pending for 30 years. Today, I express my gratitude to Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath who, within a short span of 5 years, completed all the works that were pending for 30 years. I congratulate the winner. And I hope that like us, who went door to door to serve the people, they also do the same," she said in a press conference.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath praised PM Modi’s leadership for the successful Maha Kumbh 2025, where over 66 crore devotees participated. He emphasized the festival’s role in uniting people and thanked the administration for seamless management.

UP CM Yogi credits PM Modi for Maha Kumbh 2025 success, highlights unity and faith

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath praised PM Modi&rsquo;s leadership for the successful Maha Kumbh 2025, where over 66 crore devotees participated. He emphasized the festival&rsquo;s role in uniting people and thanked the administration for seamless management.
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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath credited the success of Mahakumbh 2025 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the massive turnout of devotees.&nbsp;
Over the course of 45 holy days, more than 66 crore pilgrims took a sacred dip in the holy Triveni.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी के मार्गदर्शन एवं प्रतिबद्ध स्वच्छता दूतों की सतत सेवा से स्वच्छ एवं सुव्यवस्थित महाकुम्भ-2025 प्रयागराज की परिकल्पना सिद्ध हुई है। आज प्रयागराज के अरैल घाट पर स्वच्छता अभियान में अपने मंत्रिमंडल के माननीय सदस्यों के साथ सहभाग किया।&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/JsO9YOAeWu">pic.twitter.com/JsO9YOAeWu</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1894993112952705329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In a post on X, CM Yogi stated, "Respected Prime Minister, it is the result of your successful guidance that the 'Maha Yagya of Unity, Equality, Harmony'&mdash;Maha Kumbh 2025, Prayagraj&mdash;has concluded today, setting new standards of security, cleanliness, and good management, along with grandeur and divinity. In the last 45 holy days, more than 66 crore devotees, including revered saints and sages, have been blessed by taking a dip of faith in the holy Triveni."
He further emphasized that this religious gathering embodied the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
देवि सुरेश्वरि भगवति गङ्गे त्रिभुवनतारिणि तरलतरङ्गे। शङ्करमौलिविहारिणि विमले मम मतिरास्तां तव पदकमले॥ तीर्थराज प्रयाग में आज पुण्य प्रदायिनी माँ गंगा की विधि-विधान से पूजा-अर्चना की। भगवती भागीरथी से प्रार्थना है कि सभी श्रद्धालुओं को पावन महाकुम्भ का पुण्य प्राप्त हो, चराचर&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/9zoqATjlLJ">pic.twitter.com/9zoqATjlLJ</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1895001174480433201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"This festival of humanity, which delivers the message of 'all people are one' to the world, is uniting everyone with the sacred sentiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Your guidance and good wishes always provide us with new energy. Thank you very much, Prime Minister! Har Har Gange! Victory to Lord Beni Madhav!" CM Yogi added.
His remarks came in response to PM Modi&rsquo;s blog post reflecting on the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh, where the Prime Minister described it as a "Maha Yagya of unity."
Sharing his thoughts on social media, PM Modi expressed his admiration for the overwhelming unity displayed by the 140 crore citizens who participated in the 45-day grand event in Prayagraj.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
महाकुंभ संपन्न हुआ...एकता का महायज्ञ संपन्न हुआ। प्रयागराज में एकता के महाकुंभ में पूरे 45 दिनों तक जिस प्रकार 140 करोड़ देशवासियों की आस्था एक साथ, एक समय में इस एक पर्व से आकर जुड़ी, वो अभिभूत करता है! महाकुंभ के पूर्ण होने पर जो विचार मन में आए, उन्हें मैंने कलमबद्ध करने का&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/TgzdUuzuGI">pic.twitter.com/TgzdUuzuGI</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1894973807393415682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The Maha Kumbh has concluded... the Maha Yagya of unity has been completed. The way 140 crore countrymen came together for 45 days at the Maha Kumbh of unity in Prayagraj and joined in this grand festival is overwhelming! I have tried to pen down the thoughts that came to my mind after the completion of the Maha Kumbh..." PM Modi wrote.
He also praised the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government for making the event a grand success.&nbsp;
"Friends, the responsibility of serving crores of devotees who arrived in Prayag with devotion was fulfilled only with the power of dedication. Being an MP from Uttar Pradesh, I proudly say that under Yogi Ji&rsquo;s leadership, the government, administration, and public together made this Maha Kumbh of unity a success. Whether at the center or the state, there was no ruler, no administrator&mdash;only servants filled with devotion. Our sanitation workers, police personnel, boatmen, drivers, and food providers all worked tirelessly to make this Maha Kumbh a success. The way the residents of Prayagraj served the devotees, despite facing challenges, is truly incomparable. I express my gratitude and congratulations to all the residents of Prayagraj and the people of Uttar Pradesh."
PM Modi further reflected on the spiritual and national significance of the event. "Friends, witnessing the Maha Kumbh has strengthened my faith in India&rsquo;s bright future. The way 140 crore citizens came together to make the Maha Kumbh a global symbol of unity is incredible. Inspired by the dedication and resolve of our people, I will soon visit Shri Somnath, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to offer my Sankalp Pushp in devotion and pray for the well-being of every Indian."
He concluded by expressing his confidence that the spiritual essence of Maha Kumbh will continue to inspire unity and devotion. "The physical form of Maha Kumbh may have concluded on Maha Shivratri, but I am certain that, like the uninterrupted flow of Maa Ganga, the spirit of spiritual consciousness and unity from Maha Kumbh will continue forever."
Meanwhile, on Thursday, CM Yogi Adityanath, along with members of his cabinet, participated in a cleanliness drive at Arail Ghat in Prayagraj. He also extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful organization of Maha Kumbh 2025.

Lakhs of devotees gathered at Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh for Mahashivratri celebrations. CM Yogi Adityanath performed Rudrabhishek at Gorakshapeeth, while prayers continued at Kashi Vishwanath.

Grand Mahashivratri celebrations across Uttar Pradesh as devotees flock to Shiva temples

Lakhs of devotees gathered at Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh for Mahashivratri celebrations. CM Yogi Adityanath performed Rudrabhishek at Gorakshapeeth, while prayers continued at Kashi Vishwanath.

Devotees thronged to Shiva temples in massive numbers in Uttar Pradesh to offer prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Wednesday.
Varanasi saw a grand early morning procession led by 'naga sadhus' and 'akharas' to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple had been decorated with lights and flowers from Tuesday evening for the occasion.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahashivratri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahashivratri</a> | Varanasi, UP: Drone visuals capture Naga Sadhus and saints as they head towards Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Mahashivratri on the last day of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Source: ADCP Kashi Zone, Varanasi <a href="https://t.co/dFKh5xjsDY">pic.twitter.com/dFKh5xjsDY</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1894640434473046235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Mahamandaleshwar of 'akharas' were atop a royal chariot as the procession as they made their way to the temple. The air rang with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' as the sadhus carrying tridents, maces and swords performed 'jalabhishek'.
CEO of Kashi Vishwanath Dham Vishwa Bhushan Mishra said that all arrangements, including barricading and water facilities, were in place to ensure devotees' comfort. The temple saw a huge number of visitors, with darshan continuing through the night.
At Shakti Mandir in Gorakshapeeth, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed 'rudrabhishek' which was conducted by priests and Vedpathi Brahmins amid religious chants. The CM also performed havan and aarti later.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath performs Rudrabhishek of lord Shiva at Gorkhnath temple<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahashivratri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahashivratri</a>🕉️ <a href="https://t.co/gEnczkRLAA">pic.twitter.com/gEnczkRLAA</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1894593902096912492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Speaking to reporters in Gorakhpur, Adityanath said, "I extend my greetings to the devotees and the people of the state on Mahashivratri. Dev Adi Dev Mahadev is the God of welfare and everything runs by his grace."
Stating that lakhs of devotees have reached Prayagraj, Varanasi and other temples across the country, he added, "This faith is a symbol of India's unity. I bow to this faith."
Before this, Adityanath visited the Shiva temple in the Gorakhnath temple complex, according to a government statement.
Lakhs of devotees also took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Mahashivratri, which marks the last day of the Maha Kumbh underway in Prayagraj.
Prayers were also held at Kartikeya Mahadev temple in Sambhal which was recently reopened after 46 years. The temple, which remained closed since riots in the city in 1978, drew a large crowd of devotees from Sambhal and surrounding cities who gathered to offer 'kanwar' and perform 'jalabhishek'.
In Aligarh, thousands of 'kanwariyas' and devotees gathered at Siddhpeeth Khereshwar Dham Mahadev Temple for 'jalabhishek' amid chants of 'Om Namah Shivay'.
The administration had arranged for smooth access to the temple for large crowds.
In Raebareli, Shiva temples saw long queues of devotees chanting 'Har Har Mahadev'. In Kanpur, lakhs of devotees visited the Baba Anandeshwar Temple, known as the "Choti Kashi of Kanpur". The temple is believed to have historical ties to the Mahabharata and is a major centre for Shiva devotees.
Devotees offered Ganga water and 'bel' leaves to the 'shivling' at the site.
Similar scenes were also witnessed in the state capital Lucknow with people queuing up outside the Shiva temples to offer prayers.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Gorakhnath Temple on Maha Shivratri, marking the conclusion of Maha Kumbh, where 66 crore devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Gorakhnath Temple on Maha Shivratri

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Gorakhnath Temple on Maha Shivratri, marking the conclusion of Maha Kumbh, where 66 crore devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath performs Rudrabhishek of lord Shiva at Gorkhnath temple<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahashivratri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahashivratri</a>🕉️ <a href="https://t.co/gEnczkRLAA">pic.twitter.com/gEnczkRLAA</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1894593902096912492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Extending his wishes to the people of the state, CM Yogi also highlighted the successful conclusion of Maha Kumbh.
He shared that nearly 66 crore devotees participated in the holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the event.&nbsp;
"I extend my best wishes to all the people of the state on the occasion of Mahashivratri... Every Shivalay in the state is witnessing a massive gathering of devotees... Maha Kumbh is concluding today, almost 66 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in Triveni and has given a message of unity to the entire country," CM Yogi stated.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, "I extend my best wishes to all the people of the state on the occasion of Mahashivratri... Every Shivalay in the state is witnessing a massive gathering of devotees... Maha Kumbh is concluding today, almost 66 crore&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/3eurOOxoeG">https://t.co/3eurOOxoeG</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kvu46YFGAU">pic.twitter.com/Kvu46YFGAU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1894638060148855178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Alongside BJP MP Ravi Kishan, CM Yogi also offered prayers at Mansarovar Temple, Mukteshwar Nath Shiva Temple, and Mahadev Jharkhandi Temple.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Gorakhpur | UP CMYogi Adityanath, along with BJP MP Ravi Kishan, offers prayers at Mansarovar Temple, Mukteshwar Nath Shiva Temple and Mahadev Jharkhandi Temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri. <a href="https://t.co/ha8Br3rc1u">pic.twitter.com/ha8Br3rc1u</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1894636392246120506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, thousands of devotees from across the country gathered at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the final Snan of Maha Kumbh in the early hours.&nbsp;
The series of sacred baths began with the first Amrit Snan on Paush Purnima (January 13), followed by major Snans on Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and the concluding one on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KumbhOfTogetherness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KumbhOfTogetherness</a> | Prayagraj | Devotees continue to arrive at Triveni Sangam to be a part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahaKumbh2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahaKumbh2025</a> - as the world's largest religious gathering that began on Paush Purnima - January 13, concludes today. <a href="https://t.co/36gRMcwXPt">pic.twitter.com/36gRMcwXPt</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1894631804973584481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Maha Shivaratri, known as the great night of Shiva, holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing triumph over darkness and ignorance. It marks the divine union of Lord Shiva, the deity of destruction, with Goddess Parvati, the goddess of fertility, love, and strength, also revered as Shakti (power).
According to Hindu mythology, on their wedding night, Lord Shiva arrived at Goddess Parvati&rsquo;s house with a grand procession, including celestial beings, animals, and supernatural creatures.&nbsp;
The sacred festival celebrating their union is observed with immense devotion across India, reflecting themes of love, power, and divine harmony.

More than 53 crore devotees have attended the 2025 Mahakumbh at Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam, with special trains introduced to manage the huge influx. 

53 Crore Devotees Attend Prayagraj Mahakumbh

More than 53 crore devotees have attended the 2025 Mahakumbh at Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam, with special trains introduced to manage the huge influx.&nbsp;

As the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj continues to draw millions of devotees, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the significance of the event, stating that over 53 crore devotees have already taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.&nbsp;
The spiritual journey will carry on for the next nine days, with more devotees expected. CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of this occasion, noting, "This moment is even more important for us when Mahakumbh is being organized, which has become the world's largest spiritual and cultural event to date. So far, 53 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam and this process will continue for the next nine days."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, "...This moment is even more important for us when Maha Kumbh is being organized, which has become the world's largest spiritual and cultural event to date. So far, 53 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Triveni&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Xxjpo9uKD6">pic.twitter.com/Xxjpo9uKD6</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1891365869458239920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Chief Minister also lauded the country's faith, remarking, "Under the leadership of PM Modi, for the first time the faith of the country got respect. The wait of 500 years is over and now we can go to Ayodhya to offer prayers to Lord Ram."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, "Under the leadership of PM Modi, for the first time the faith of the country got respect... The wait of 500 years is over and now we can go to Ayodhya to offer prayers to Lord Ram... In 2016-17, when there was no BJP&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/ZMRwcicYZc">pic.twitter.com/ZMRwcicYZc</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1891369257780584624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He compared the drastic increase in the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya, stating, "In 2016-17, when there was no BJP government in the state, the number of devotees coming to Ayodhya was only 2 lakh 35 thousand, and in 2024, this number is more than 14 to 15 crore devotees. This is the result of the contribution of the devotees."
On the 36th day of the Mahakumbh, over 52 crore devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam, making it the largest human gathering in the world. With such a massive influx of people, the Prayagraj Railway Station saw heavy crowds, and police officials worked tirelessly to maintain order.&nbsp;
Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), G.P. Singh, visited Prayagraj to assess the security arrangements. He commended the effective coordination between the Uttar Pradesh Police, CRPF, and other involved agencies.&nbsp;
The CRPF&rsquo;s official X account reported, &ldquo;In Prayagraj, DG GP Singh assessed security arrangements for Mahakumbh, guiding CRPF officials on balancing vigilance with seamless public assistance. He appreciated the fine synergy between UP Police, CRPF, and all agencies involved while commending their hard work so far in maintaining security."
To manage the increased passenger traffic during the Mahakumbh, Northern Railway has introduced four special trains. These trains will ensure smooth travel for devotees and passengers, following routes designed to accommodate the surge in demand.&nbsp;
The special trains are: Train No. 04420 (New Delhi to Prayagraj), Train No. 04422 (New Delhi to Prayagraj), Train No. 04424 (Anand Vihar Terminal to Prayagraj), and Train No. 04418 (New Delhi to Darbhanga). These services are expected to ease the congestion during the Mela, providing added convenience for pilgrims.
Following the recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which tragically resulted in 18 deaths and numerous injuries, Central Railway has also announced the operation of four additional special trains to assist pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh.

The Magh Purnima Snan at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj concluded successfully, with over 1.3 crore devotees taking a holy dip. Enhanced security and crowd management measures were implemented following past incidents.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Magh Purnima Snan concludes successfully

The Magh Purnima Snan at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj concluded successfully, with over 1.3 crore devotees taking a holy dip. Enhanced security and crowd management measures were implemented following past incidents.

The Magh Purnima 'snan' at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj concluded successfully on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the grand religious gathering. Urban Development Department Secretary Anuj Jha highlighted the importance of this achievement, emphasizing the large number of devotees who participated.
"The snan of Maghi Purnima has been concluded successfully. It is a huge milestone for us... Lakhs of Kalpavasis and crores of pilgrims have visited here in the last month... Urban Development was the nodal department... All the arrangements are being done efficiently..." Jha stated while speaking to ANI.
According to officials, the total number of pilgrims at the Mela grounds has now reached 38.83 million, while over 10 million Kalpavasis have been residing in the area. Since the festival began, more than 462.5 million devotees have taken the holy dip as of February 11, 2025. The footfall is expected to increase further, with several significant bathing dates still ahead.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar provided insights into the security and management strategies for the fifth snan of the Mahakumbh. He acknowledged the lessons learned from an incident during Mauni Amavasya and emphasized the implementation of improved safety measures.
"This is the 5th snan of Maha Kumbh 2025... The Snan of Maha Shivratri will take place after this... A mishap took place on Mauni Amavasya. We learnt a lesson from it and implemented new techniques. There is a management technique of 'Build back better'...We took the community's feedback to improve ourselves and implemented new techniques," he stated.
DGP Kumar further revealed that between 46 to 47 crore people have visited the Mahakumbh so far, with over 1.3 crore devotees taking a dip on Magh Purnima alone. "More than 1.3 crore devotees took a dip till 10 am today. Approximately 46 to 47 crore people have visited the MahaKumbh till now. We are also focused on places like Chitrakoot, Mirzapur Vindhyanchal temple, Vishwanath corridor and Ayodhya because of the huge number of devotees visiting there," he added.
To enhance monitoring and crowd control, authorities have set up a war room in Lucknow, providing live surveillance of Prayagraj Kshetra. "We have made a war room in Lucknow where get a live feed of the Prayagraj Kshetra... More than 2500 cameras are active. We receive the live feed in the ICCC in Prayagraj... New crowd management techniques have given positive results and things are running smoothly even amid the huge crowd," Kumar stated.
Addressing concerns about a stampede at the Mahakumbh, the DGP clarified that the incident was not due to administrative failure but rather an overwhelming turnout of devotees. "It is not an administrative lapse but an overwhelming response of the people... Earlier people were coming by buses and trains, now they are coming by their cars. The mode of transport of the people has changed. A lot of people did not come in the beginning thinking that now there would be less crowd but Kumbh gained so much popularity that people from all over the world are still coming here... On main Snan days, more than 5 lakh people are travelling by around 400 trains," he explained.
Additionally, Kumar warned against misinformation being spread online, mentioning that fake videos falsely attributed to the Mahakumbh were being circulated on social media. "Some people circulated videos of other places claiming them to be from Kumbh. A video of a police lathi charge was circulated but it was from another place...We have registered an FIR against such people," he said.
Mahakumbh 2025, which began on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025), is the world's largest spiritual and cultural congregation, drawing devotees from around the globe. The festival will continue until Mahashivratri on February 26.

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