Over 2.79 lakh passengers boarded trains from Prayagraj railway station by 6 a.m. on Saturday as the ongoing Maha Kumbh continued to witness an overwhelming influx of devotees, according to Indian Railways.
On Friday alone, more than 10.47 lakh passengers travelled on 328 trains departing from Prayagraj, marking a significant surge in footfall during the religious congregation.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who visited the Maha Kumbh, described the experience as an emotional moment.
He remarked, “It’s truly an emotional moment. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to visit MahaKumbh. This is the perfect example of India’s collective spirit. More than 50 crore people from India and abroad have visited the MahaKumbh, showcasing India’s growing power.”
Recalling an instance involving British rock band Coldplay, Goyal said, “I was in Belgium when I received information that Chris Martin of Coldplay wanted to visit MahaKumbh. I contacted the Chief Minister and made arrangements for his visit. He was thrilled after experiencing this unique event. This will send a message of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ to the world and the country.”
Emphasising the significance of the event, he added that Maha Kumbh would serve as an inspiration for the youth to connect with Hindu traditions.
On Saturday, a vast number of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—to take a holy dip.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government, by 9 a.m., more than 3.324 million devotees had performed the sacred ritual.
The Maha Kumbh, held once every twelve years, has drawn unprecedented crowds this year, with authorities implementing extensive measures to manage the inflow of pilgrims and ensure smooth transportation facilities.
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