Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Maha Kumbh 2025 as a "mahayagya of unity" that will elevate India's cultural and spiritual heritage to greater heights. Speaking at a public event in Prayagraj, he highlighted the festival's role in erasing differences of caste and sect, fostering national harmony. “The Maha Kumbh is not just an event but a mahayagya of unity,” PM Modi stated, emphasising its significance in strengthening India's cultural and spiritual identity. As part of preparations for the grand event, the Prime Minister inaugurated 167 developmental projects worth Rs 55 billion, aimed at upgrading Prayagraj's infrastructure. Among the projects is Sah'AI'yak Chatbot, an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to facilitate communication for the millions of devotees expected to attend the festival. PM Modi began his visit with a ceremonial puja and darshan at the holy Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge. He also participated in a river cruise before the rituals. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined the Prime Minister during the ceremony. Scheduled from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri), the Maha Kumbh mela, held every 12 years, will draw millions of devotees and pilgrims to Prayagraj. The Uttar Pradesh government has declared the Maha Kumbh area a new district to facilitate its smooth organisation. With these developments, the Maha Kumbh 2025 is poised to be a monumental celebration of India’s cultural and spiritual legacy. (The Hindu)