Maha Kumbh stands as a beacon of India's unity: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is no longer just an event for the elderly. "A major shift has taken place with the younger generation now actively participating," he said.

Yogi said: "The Maha Kumbh event is more than a religious gathering; it is a symbol of India's unity."

In an exclusive interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi on the sidelines of Maha Kumbh, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary approach toward "blending tradition with modernity".

"In earlier governments, the Kumbh symbolized chaos, overcrowding and a lack of cleanliness," he hit out at the past governments.

"However, the 2019 and 2015 Kumbh Mela showcased PM Modi's visionary approach. Under his leadership, the Kumbh has become a symbol of cleanliness, safety and well-organized execution," he said.

"This transformation has made Kumbh appealing to the youth too. People from all walks of life are now actively participating in the Maha Kumbh. This makes the spiritual grandeur of Sanatan Dharma evident in Prayagraj," he added.

Yogi also highlighted the increased footfall on auspicious days. "In the last Kumbh, 4 crore devotees took a dip on Mouni Amavasya. This time, over 10 crore pilgrims have already bathed, and 2 crore visited just today. By Mouni Amavasya, the crowd is expected to multiply five-fold."

"Over the course of 45 days, around 40-45 crore devotees — equivalent to the world's third-largest population after India and China — will participate in this grand event," said Yogi.