Akshay Kumar lauds Yogi for Stellar Mahakumbh arrangements

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar joined the millions of devotees at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj today, taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Following his spiritual experience, the actor expressed high praise for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, crediting him for the impeccable arrangements that have made this year’s Mahakumbh a standout success.

Kumar, dressed in a simple white kurta-pajama, arrived in Prayagraj on Monday morning amidst tight security and throngs of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the "Khiladi" star. After offering prayers and taking his dip, he spoke to the media, visibly impressed by the scale and organisation of the event. “I had a lot of fun. The arrangements are very good, very well done,” Kumar said. “We are very grateful to CM Yogi sahab for making such good arrangements. I still remember the last Kumbh in 2019, people came with bundles, but this time, all the big people are coming: the Ambanis, Adanis, big actors, everyone is here.”

The 57-year-old actor, whose latest film Sky Force hit theaters recently, drew a stark contrast between the 2019 Kumbh and the 2025 Mahakumbh, emphasizing the significant improvements under Adityanath’s administration. “It was an incredible experience. The management this time is outstanding,” he told reporters. “In 2019, there were some challenges, but this year, everything is remarkably well-organised.” He also extended his gratitude to the police, sanitation workers, and other staff, saying, “I want to thank, with folded hands, all the police personnel and workers who have taken such great care of everyone.”

The Mahakumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has drawn unprecedented crowds this year, with nearly 50 crore devotees expected to participate by its end. The event has also attracted a host of celebrities and dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Bollywood stars including Katrina Kaif, Sonali Bendre, and Vicky Kaushal. Kumar’s visit coincided with the final leg of the festival, amplifying its star-studded appeal.

Yogi Adityanath’s government has pulled out all the stops to ensure the event’s success, implementing extensive security measures, infrastructure upgrades, and logistical support. From advanced surveillance systems to sanitation facilities and crowd management, the administration’s efforts have been widely acknowledged. A minor fire incident earlier in the month, caused by the explosion of three cooking gas cylinders, was swiftly contained with no casualties, further showcasing the preparedness of the authorities. Adityanath personally inspected the site, reinforcing his hands-on approach to the festival’s management.

Kumar’s praise aligns with sentiments expressed by other attendees, including singer Kanhaiya Mittal, who earlier described the arrangements as turning Prayagraj into a “heaven on earth.” The actor’s comments also come at a time when Adityanath has been vocal about the event’s significance, recently noting that even critics of the arrangements have quietly joined the faithful in taking a dip.

For Kumar, the visit was not just a spiritual journey but a chance to witness firsthand the transformation of the Mahakumbh into a global spectacle. “The way they’ve organized this Mahakumbh is truly remarkable,” he added, underscoring the event’s blend of tradition and modernity.

As the Mahakumbh nears its grand finale on Maha Shivratri, Akshay Kumar’s endorsement serves as a high-profile nod to Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, spotlighting Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to elevate one of the world’s largest religious gatherings into an exemplar of efficiency and devotion.

Pic credit PTI.