On the second day of the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, spiritual leader Chidanand Saraswati, head of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, made an impassioned call for the reunification of India and Pakistan, inspired by the grandeur and unity witnessed during the Kumbh Mela.
Addressing devotees during the ‘Amrit Snan’ on Makar Sankranti, Saraswati reflected on the significance of the event, where 15 million people gathered within 12 hours to take a holy dip at the Sangam. Without directly naming Pakistan, he spoke about the regret of separation and the possibility of unity.
“The Maha Kumbh and Makar Sankranti represent an ‘Amrit Vela’—a sacred time. Even the gods must yearn to be born in India to witness this divine spectacle. People across the border must also wonder why we were separated when such a magnificent event unfolds here. It’s not too late; this Kumbh should inspire us to break barriers and realize the vision of an Akhand Bharat,” Saraswati said.
He extended his wishes for Makar Sankranti, urging everyone to visit the Maha Kumbh to experience its spiritual and cultural significance.
As of 10:30 AM on Makar Sankranti, 13.8 million devotees had taken a holy dip at the Sangam. On the first day of the Kumbh, approximately 16 million pilgrims participated in the ritual, marking an awe-inspiring start to the event.
Saraswati also emphasized environmental sustainability, urging people to resolve to conserve rivers and plant trees as they participate in the Kumbh.
“The joy I witnessed on the faces of those who took the holy dip on Paush Purnima was remarkable. Let Paush Purnima be dedicated to river conservation and environmental protection. Prime Minister Modi’s call for ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ (One Tree in the Name of the Mother) is a resolution everyone should adopt,” he said.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26, drawing an estimated 450 million devotees over its course. Upcoming key bathing dates include:
- January 29: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
- February 3: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
- February 12: Maghi Purnima
- February 26: Maha Shivaratri
Celebrated every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh is a testament to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, symbolizing unity, devotion, and renewal. The event will conclude on February 26.
