Maha Kumbh an opportunity to understand UP & India: CM

Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday emphasized that the Maha Kumbh offers a rare opportunity for people to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and India.Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Gorakhpur Mahotsav, the CM highlighted the significance of the Maha Kumbh, which is expected to attract a whopping 400 million visitors from Jan 13 to Feb 26. He urged devotees to first offer khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath on Makar Sankranti and then participate in the Maha Kumbh to experience its grandeur."The 45-day event is expected to attract 400 million visitors, a scale unparalleled outside India and China. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers offers a rare spiritual experience. New developments such as the Akshay Vat Corridor, Saraswati Corridor, and pathways connecting prominent temples and pilgrimage sites have enhanced the event's spiritual depth," the CM said, emphasising the importance of participating in the Mauni Amavasya ritual on Jan 29, a rare celestial event occurring after 144 years.Highlighting the role of cultural traditions, CM Yogi noted that folk tales and traditions are the lifeblood of a nation and that festivals like Gorakhpur Mahotsav provide a platform for local artists, youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents.He also appreciated the diverse exhibits at the Gorakhpur Mahotsav, including terracotta and honey production, and the large-scale National Book Fair. He urged youth to engage with literature and explore the rich cultural heritage of the nation.CM Yogi also reflected on Gorakhpur's rich religious, spiritual, and literary heritage, noting its association with great figures like Mahayogi Gorakhnath, Munshi Premchand, and Paramhansa Yogananda. On the occasion, the CM honored five distinguished personalities with ‘Gorakhpur Ratna' award for their contributions across various fields. The recipients are veteran theatre artist K.C. Sen in the field of arts, progressive farmer and honey producer Raju Singh in agricultural entrepreneurship, international tennis player Shagun Kumari in sports, senior orthopaedics specialist B.B. Tripathi in medicine, and Sahil Mahfuz in the field of science.