Uttar Pradesh government has announced the creation of a new district centred around the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj. The newly established district, officially named Maha Kumbh Mela, has been created to ensure seamless organisation and management of the grand religious event, as per officials.
UP Declares Maha Kumbh Area a New District for 2025
Why In News
- Uttar Pradesh government has announced the creation of a new district centred around the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj. The newly established district, officially named Maha Kumbh Mela, has been created to ensure seamless organisation and management of the grand religious event, as per officials.
Kumbh Mela
- With this, the state will now have 76 districts instead of 75. This move aims to bolster administrative efficiency and streamline operations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela scheduled in January 2025.
- Authorities believe this strategic step will facilitate better coordination and administration which will enhance the experience for pilgrims as well as stakeholders.
- The new district will have a dedicated administrative team responsible for overseeing the Mela’s preparation and ensuring the provision of necessary services during the event.
- The Mela Adikari, responsible for the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, will hold powers equivalent to those of an Executive Magistrate, District Magistrate, and Additional District Magistrate to ensure seamless governance.
- Uttar Pradesh government would send ministers to invite governors and chief ministers across the nation for the Maha Kumbh to start from Prayagraj from January 2025.
- The UP cabinet headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also approved a proposal to hold roadshows and events in India and abroad to promote the Maha Kumbh that UP government officials said would draw devotees in record numbers from across the globe.
- Kumbh Mela is organised every 3 years, Ardh Kumbh Mela every 6 years and Maha Kumbh Mela every 12 years. The last Maha Kumbh Mela was organised in the year 2013. After this, the Ardh Kumbh Mela was organised in 2019. Now, Maha Kumbh Mela is going to be organised in the year 2025 and it is going to be grand. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is going to be organised in Siddhi Yoga on January 29, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
- This is the biggest festival for those who believe in Sanatan Dharma. In which a crowd of saints and people from all over the world come to participate in this holy fair.
- The view of Maha Kumbh is such as if people from all over the world have come to this fair. Everyone wishes to take a dip in this holy Mahasangam of Maha Kumbh. That is why it is also called Mahasangam. Maha Kumbh is going to run from January 13 to February 26.
Why It Is Celebrated
- Kumbh Mela is celebrated to mark the occasion of the mythical “amrit” (nectar) that was churned from the ocean by gods and demons in Hindu mythology. According to the story, during the churning of the ocean, a pitcher (Kumbh) containing the nectar of immortality was created.
-  A fierce battle broke out between the gods and demons over possession of the nectar, and as a result, drops of the nectar fell at four locations on Earth—Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
- These places are considered sacred, and the Kumbh Mela is held at each location in a rotating cycle every few years. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. It serves as a time for devotees to take a ritual bath in the holy rivers at these locations, believing it will cleanse them of sins and bring spiritual merit.
- The Kumbh Mela is a religious event and a celebration of unity, faith, and renewal. It is considered one of the largest peaceful gatherings of humanity in the world.
