The Mahakumbh has successfully wrapped up in the sacred city of Prayagraj. A magnificent Mahayajna of Unity has taken place. When a nation’s consciousness awakens and sheds the weight of centuries of oppression, it can invigorate itself with newfound vitality. This transformation was evident at the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh (Mahakumbh of Unity) in Prayagraj, starting from January 13. On January 22, 2024, during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I spoke on the intertwined concepts of Devbhakti and Deshbhakti—devotion to the divine and to the nation. At the Mahakumbh, we witnessed an incredible gathering of gods, goddesses, saints, women, children, youth, the elderly, and individuals from all walks of life, all uniting in a transcendent display of national consciousness.

This was truly Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, where the sentiments of 1.4 billion Indians converged in one place at a single moment for this sacred event. In Prayagraj, at Shringverpur—a revered land symbolizing unity, harmony, and love—Prabhu Shri Ram and Nishadraj shared their meeting, emblematic of devotion and goodwill. Even today, Prayagraj inspires us with this same spirit.

Over a span of 45 days, I witnessed millions arriving from every corner of the country to the Sangam. The emotional tide at the confluence continued to swell, as each pilgrim arrived with the singular purpose of immersing themselves in the sacred confluence. The holy waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati inspired enthusiasm, energy, and confidence in every devotee. The Mahakumbh in Prayagraj could serve as a case study for modern management professionals and policy makers, as nothing else in the world can compare to this scale of gathering. The entire world watched in awe as countless individuals converged on Prayagraj’s riverside, all without formal invitations or prior arrangements.

Yet, millions set out toward the Mahakumbh independently, eager for the bliss of a sacred dip. I cannot forget the radiant faces filled with joy and satisfaction after their holy immersion. Regardless of their background—women, elders, and our differently-abled brothers and sisters—everyone found a way to the Sangam. I was especially heartened by the overwhelming involvement of India’s youth.

The presence of younger generations at the Mahakumbh sends a powerful message: they will be the torchbearers of India’s rich culture and heritage, recognizing their responsibility to preserve and advance it. The number of attendees at this Mahakumbh has undoubtedly shattered records. Beyond those physically present, millions of individuals who couldn’t attend felt a profound emotional connection to the event. The sacred water brought back by pilgrims became a source of spiritual bliss for countless others. Many returning from the Mahakumbh were greeted with respect and honor within their communities.

What unfolded in the past few weeks is unprecedented and has laid a foundation for generations to come. More devotees flocked to Prayagraj than anyone could have anticipated, with attendance figures based on previous Kumbh experiences proving insufficient. Nearly double the population of the United States participated in this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh. Spiritual scholars analyzing this enthusiastic participation would find that India, proud of its heritage, is surging forward with newfound energy. I believe this marks a new dawn, which will shape the future of a new India. For thousands of years, the Mahakumbh has fortified India’s national consciousness. Every Purnakumbh witnessed gatherings of saints, scholars, and thinkers contemplating societal conditions of their times.

Their insights have historically charted new paths for the nation. These ideas were revisited every six years during the Ardhkumbh. After 12 Purnakumbh occurrences over 144 years, outdated traditions were set aside as new ideas and practices emerged to accommodate changing times. This Mahakumbh, 144 years later, has once again provided compelling messages from our saints regarding India’s developmental journey—symbolized by the initiative of a Developed India—Viksit Bharat.

At this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, pilgrims of all backgrounds—rich or poor, young or old, from villages or cities, from both near and far, and irrespective of caste, creed, or ideology—came together in a remarkable embodiment of the vision for Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. This unity instilled confidence among millions.

Now, we must unite with the same spirit to build a developed India. I am reminded of the time when a young Shri Krishna revealed the universe within His mouth to His mother Yashoda. In a similar vein, this Mahakumbh has shown both India and the world the enormous potential of our collective strength. We must harness this confidence and dedicate ourselves to the mission of building a developed India.

Historically, saints from the Bhakti movement highlighted the power of collective resolve across India. From Swami Vivekananda to Sri Aurobindo, our nation’s great thinkers emphasized this strength throughout history. Even Mahatma Gandhi harnessed this during the freedom struggle. In the years following independence, if this collective strength had been aptly recognized and channeled towards the common good, it could have proven to be a tremendous asset for our newly freed nation. Unfortunately, this wasn’t realized until now. However, I am uplifted to witness how the collective strength of the people is converging towards creating a developed nation.

From the Vedas to Vivekananda, the legacy of India’s great traditions has profoundly shaped who we are. As a citizen, I hope we draw fresh inspiration from the memories of our ancestors and saints. May this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh propel us forward with renewed resolutions. Let us make unity our guiding principle and realize that serving our nation is akin to serving the divine.

During my campaign in Kashi, I proclaimed, “Maa Ganga has called me.” This sentiment captures my sense of responsibility toward maintaining the purity of our sacred rivers. Standing at the convergence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj only deepened my commitment. The cleanliness of our rivers is intimately connected to our lives. We hold the duty to honor and protect our rivers—great and small—as life-giving mothers. This Mahakumbh has inspired us to persist in our efforts towards river cleanliness.

I recognize that coordinating such a monumental event was no small feat. I pray to Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati for forgiveness should we have faltered in our devotion. I see the people—Janata Janardan—as embodiments of divinity. If there have been any shortcomings in our service to them, I humbly seek their forgiveness.

Hundreds of millions came to the Mahakumbh filled with devotion. Serving them was a responsibility carried out with that same devotion. As a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, I can proudly say that under Yogi Ji’s leadership, the administration and the community collaborated to ensure the success of this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh. Be it the state or federal levels, there were no rulers or administrators; rather, everyone acted as devoted servants. Sanitation workers, police, boatmen, drivers, and food servers tirelessly contributed to this effort. The way the people of Prayagraj welcomed pilgrims with open arms, despite facing significant challenges, was truly inspiring. I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to them and the people of Uttar Pradesh.

I have always held unwavering faith in our nation’s bright future. Witnessing this Mahakumbh has only strengthened my conviction. The way 1.4 billion Indians transformed the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh into a global event is nothing short of remarkable. Inspired by the dedication, devotion, and hard work of our people, I plan to visit Shri Somnath, the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, to offer the fruits of these collective national efforts and to pray for every Indian.

The physical manifestation of the Mahakumbh may have concluded on Mahashivratri, but similar to the eternal flow of the Ganga, the spiritual vigor, national awareness, and unity awakened by the Mahakumbh will continue to inspire us for generations to come.