Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the number of pilgrims visiting Hindu sacred sites in the state far exceeds the attendance at global religious gatherings, including those in Mecca and Vatican City.
Speaking at the legislative council during the state budget session, Adityanath highlighted the unprecedented influx of devotees to Ayodhya, citing that the city alone welcomed 16 crore pilgrims in just 52 days. In comparison, he noted that Vatican City receives 80 lakh visitors annually, while 1.4 crore people travel to Mecca for the Haj pilgrimage.
Record-Breaking Maha Kumbh
Referring to the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the chief minister termed it the “greatest festival of the century,” asserting that it has set new global records for religious congregations. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has firmly positioned itself on the world map with its religious tourism, integrating five key pilgrimage sites—Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj—under the banner of “Panch Teerth” (five sacred sites).
“The Maha Kumbh has broken all previous records, making it the largest congregation in human history,” Adityanath declared. “While the entire world witnesses its grandeur and sanctity, the opposition remains engaged in baseless criticism.”
Opposition’s Changing Stance
The chief minister criticized opposition parties for their inconsistent stance on the Maha Kumbh and the Ram Temple. “Great projects go through three stages: ridicule, resistance, and acceptance. The same has happened with the Maha Kumbh and the Ram Temple,” he remarked.
Adityanath pointed to instances where opposition figures, after initially dismissing the events, later participated in religious rites and identified with Sanatan Dharma. “The Leader of Opposition first claimed to be a sanatani, then a socialist,” he said, taking a dig at Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey’s remarks in the legislature on Monday.
Sanatan Dharma’s Growing Recognition
The chief minister asserted that the global community is now acknowledging the strength and significance of Sanatan Dharma. He also accused socialist and leftist groups of attempting to malign the Maha Kumbh but claimed that the overwhelming Hindu participation has nullified their criticism.
Clean Ganga Claims Backed by Science
Addressing concerns about pollution in the Ganga, Adityanath defended the river’s purity by citing scientific studies. According to research conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, and Padma Shri awardee scientist Ajay Sonkar’s lab, the water quality parameters—including chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, and fecal coliform levels—were all within permissible limits as of January 17.
“The sanctity of the Ganga remains intact despite the presence of millions of devotees, showcasing its self-purifying and spiritual properties,” he asserted.
Safe Pilgrimage Management
Refuting reports of missing persons during the Maha Kumbh, Adityanath stated that all 35 individuals from the Gorakhpur-Basti area who were initially reported missing had safely returned home. He further highlighted the effectiveness of the “Digital Kumbh” system, which facilitated the safe reunion of 28,000 stranded pilgrims with their families.
“The opposition is deliberately spreading misinformation to discredit the administration and the Maha Kumbh,” the chief minister alleged, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees.
With record-breaking attendance and efficient management, the Maha Kumbh continues to reinforce Uttar Pradesh’s status as a global spiritual destination.
