Lucknow/ Prayagraj: The Uttar Pradesh government announced that it will facilitate the participation of 2,000 senior citizens in the holy dip at Sangam by the conclusion of Mahakumbh. This initiative aims to provide essential services to elderly individuals, particularly those residing in state-run old-age homes, ensuring they can benefit from the facilities available during the grand religious gathering.
Under this initiative, the Department of Social Welfare has set up a special pavilion at the banks of Sangam in collaboration with the National Medical Organization and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO). The project is designed specifically to assist senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.
Mahakumbh : Shravan Kumbh
A key component of this initiative is the ‘Shravan Kumbh,’ which has already provided assistive devices and hearing tests to thousands of people with hearing impairments, according to the government’s statement.
“For the first time in Mahakumbh, the Yogi Adityanath government has launched a special camp for senior citizens and those with hearing disabilities. Free testing and assistive devices are being provided by the Social Welfare Department at this camp,” the statement said.
The government further stated that this initiative has significantly contributed to the welfare of the elderly, particularly those living in old-age homes. Special arrangements have been made for them, including a 100-bed ashram in the Kumbh area, where senior citizens can stay comfortably and participate in religious activities, including the sacred Sangam bath.
So far, over 500 senior citizens from districts such as Mirzapur, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Bhadohi, Kaushambi, Hardoi, Sitapur, and Lucknow have participated in Mahakumbh. The government aims to facilitate the participation of 2,000 elderly devotees in the ‘Amrit Snan’ by February 26.
Asim Arun shares his views
Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of senior citizens across the state.
“The double-engine government is continuously working towards the safety, dignity, and health of senior citizens across the state,” he said.
Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, will continue at Triveni Sangam until February 26, attracting millions of devotees daily. As of Monday evening, approximately 350 million pilgrims had already visited Sangam, and the government estimates that this number will surpass 500 million by February 26, especially during key bathing festivals such as Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri.
