Uttarakhand Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the Maha Kumbh, expected to draw 40 crore devotees this year, is projected to contribute Rs 2 trillion to economic growth. Speaking at the "Divine Uttar Pradesh: The Must Visit Sacred Journey" conclave, Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inspiring pride in India's heritage. Highlighting the event's economic impact, the Chief Minister noted that the 2019 Maha Kumbh had contributed Rs 1.2 trillion to Uttar Pradesh’s economy. He added that in 2024 alone, over 160 million devotees visited Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, while Ayodhya saw more than 135.5 million visitors between January and September. The Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj, will showcase India's rich cultural and spiritual traditions on a global platform. Adityanath described the event as the "world’s largest temporary city," capable of hosting between 5 million to 10 million devotees simultaneously. The Chief Minister underscored the spiritual and societal importance of the Maha Kumbh, calling it a symbol of unity that transcends religion. He criticised those who glorify foreign invaders’ legacies, accusing them of using societal divides for political gain and failing to appreciate India's spiritual transformation under PM Modi's leadership. Adityanath emphasised that the central and state governments, along with revered saints, have ensured the event’s success through meticulous planning. He highlighted initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, including measures to prevent sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, making the Maha Kumbh a "divine and digitally advanced gathering where faith meets modernity." (Business Standard)