In his first Mann Ki Baat episode of 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, calling it an ‘extraordinary’ confluence of equality and harmony, with ‘unforgettable crowds’ and ‘unimaginable scenes’.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the festival celebrates ‘unity in diversity’, noting that people from all parts of India and the world come together at Sangam without discrimination or casteism.
Addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi stated, “The Maha Kumbh has begun in Prayagraj. Unforgettable crowd, unimaginable scene and extraordinary confluence of equality and harmony. This time, the Kumbh is witnessing the formation of several divine yogas. This festival of Kumbh celebrates unity in diversity. People from all over India and the world gather on the sands of Sangam. There is no discrimination or casteism anywhere in this tradition that has been going on for thousands of years. Everyone takes a dip in the Sangam, has a community feast together and takes Prasad together. That is why Kumbh is the Maha Kumbh of unity.”
The Prime Minister said that, like the Maha Kumbh, southern India also hosts ‘Pushkaram’ along the Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.
“The organization of Kumbh also tells us that our tradition binds the whole of India together. The ways to follow beliefs are similar in the northern and southern parts of India. Kumbh is organized in Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik and Haridwar, similarly, Pushkaram is organized in south India in rivers of Narmada, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri. Both festivals are connected to our beliefs and traditions of our holy rivers. Similarly, from Kumbakonam to Thirukadaiyur, from Kudavasal to Tirucherai, several temples are associated with the Kumbh,” added PM Modi.
The Prime Minister highlighted the growing global recognition of the Maha Kumbh and its significance.
PM Modi emphasized that the active participation of many youths in the ongoing Kumbh ensures a bright future when they connect with their traditions. He also mentioned the Gangasagar Mela, where lakhs of devotees took a dip in the Gangasagar during Makar Sankranti.
“This time, youth is participating in huge numbers in Kumbh and when youth is associated with its traditions, its bright future is ensured. This time we are also witnessing digital footprints on a large scale in Kumbh. This global popularity of Kumbh is a proud moment for all Indians. On the occasion of Sankranti, a huge number of devotees took a dip in the Gangasagar,” asserted PM Modi.
Additionally, the PM explained that such festivals, including Kumbh, Pushkaram, and Gangasagar Mela, promote social interaction, harmony, and unity among the people of India.
The Prime Minister noted, “Our festivals Kumbh, Pushkaram and Gangasagar Mela encourage our social interactions, harmony and unity. It connects the people of India with its traditions. The way our scriptures have emphasized religion, wealth, desire and salvation, similarly our festivals strengthens spiritual, social, cultural and economic aspects.”
Concluding his address, PM Modi spoke about the first anniversary of the Ram Lala consecration in Ayodhya. He emphasized the importance of preserving heritage while embracing development, drawing inspiration from both tradition and progress.
“This year we also celebrated the first anniversary of Ram Lala consecration on the Paush Shukla Dwadashi on January 11. That day lakhs of devotees took blessings of Lord Ram. This day of Puash Shukla Dwadashi has become a day of Prathistha Dwadashi Day. We have to save our heritage while being on the path of development and move forward while taking inspiration from it,” PM Modi added.
Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister’s monthly radio program, is a platform to discuss national issues with the citizens of India.
The programme usually airs on the last Sunday of every month, but this year, it will air on the third Sunday due to Republic Day celebrations on the last Sunday.
Launched on 3 October 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with different sections of Indian society, including women, the elderly, and the youth.
The programme is available in 22 Indian languages, 29 dialects, and 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. It is available on over 500 All India Radio centres.
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