The Prime Minister also said that the massive gathering reflected the resurgence of a nation that has broken free from the shackles of a centuries-old colonial mindset. (Photo: X/ Narendra Modi)Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the Maha Kumbh, emphasising the efforts of the Centre, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government, and appreciated the people of Prayagraj for serving scores of devotees from across the world during the 45-day event. The Kumbh, which concluded on Wednesday, witnessed a footfall of over 66 crore pilgrims to the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.He offered an apology to “Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna, and Mother Saraswati,” as well as to the people, whom he described as “an embodiment of divinity,” for any shortcomings in their efforts to serve them. “I pray to Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati to forgive us in case there were any shortcomings in our devotion. I see Janata Janardan, the people, as an embodiment of divinity. In case there has been any shortcoming in our efforts to serve them, I also seek the forgiveness of the people,” PM Modi said.The Prime Minister also said that the massive gathering reflected the resurgence of a nation that has broken free from the shackles of a centuries-old colonial mindset. “The Maha Kumbh has concluded. The ‘mahayagna’ of unity has concluded,” he wrote in a blog, adding that the country is now moving towards fulfilling the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’.Must Read | How Opposition fell short on Maha Kumbh narrative: Absent Gandhis; Mamata, Lalu’s remarksHe also said that making such a massive arrangement was not easy. “I know that organising such a massive event was no easy task,” he wrote.At least 30 people had died during a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which drew devotees in huge numbers from across the country.“For the last 45 days, every day, I have seen how lakhs of people from every corner of the country were moving towards the banks of Sangam. The wave of sentiments of bathing at Sangam kept on increasing. Every devotee was in the mood for just one thing — ‘Snan‘ (holy dip) at Sangam,” he said.महाकुंभ संपन्न हुआ…एकता का महायज्ञ संपन्न हुआ। प्रयागराज में एकता के महाकुंभ में पूरे 45 दिनों तक जिस प्रकार 140 करोड़ देशवासियों की आस्था एक साथ, एक समय में इस एक पर्व से आकर जुड़ी, वो अभिभूत करता है! महाकुंभ के पूर्ण होने पर जो विचार मन में आए, उन्हें मैंने कलमबद्ध करने का… pic.twitter.com/TgzdUuzuGI— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 27, 2025https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsModi, who also took a dip at Sangam on February 5, said the Maha Kumbh event has become a “subject of study for modern management professionals, including planning and policy experts.”Story continues below this adThe Uttar Pradesh government has said that over 65 crore people visited the sacred site in Prayagraj since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13.“Today, there is no comparison to such a huge event in the entire world; there is no other example like this,” he said.The world watched in wonder how crores of people gathered at Prayagraj at the banks of the confluence of rivers. I cannot forget those faces radiating immense joy and satisfaction after the holy dip. Women, elders, our Divyang (specially abled) brothers and sisters – everyone found a way to reach the Sangam,” he added.Also Read | Kumbh Mela, explained: Its mythology, history, astrology, and why millions flock to itThe Prime Minister said it was a very pleasant experience for him to see young devotees attending the holy congregation in large numbers.Story continues below this ad“The presence of the younger generation at the Maha Kumbh sends a profound message that the youth of India will be the torchbearers of our glorious culture and heritage,” he said.In his blog, Modi praised UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying as an MP from Uttar Pradesh he can proudly say that the government, administration and people collectively under Adityanath’s leadership made this “Maha Kumbh of unity” successful.“Be it the state or Centre, there were no rulers or administrators and instead, everyone was a devoted sevak. Sanitation workers, police, boatmen, drivers, people serving food – everyone worked tirelessly. I express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them and the people of Uttar Pradesh,” he said.“This time the Maha Kumbh of this kind came after 144 years and has given the message of a new chapter in India’s development journey,” he said. He reiterated that what has never happened in the past few decades happened this time. “It has laid the foundation for many coming centuries,” he added.© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd