Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched a radio channel ‘Kumbhavani’, which is part of All India Radio’s Akashvani, in Prayagraj amid the Maha Kumbh festival. He said those who have a “narrow” view of Sanatan Dharma and claim that it discriminates on the basis of caste should look at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where people from all sections of society bathe in the sacred Sangam.
Addressing officials and dignitaries at the event, Adityanath said, “Maha Kumbh is not just an (ordinary) event. It represents Sanatan glory, a huge gathering. Anyone who wants to see the glory of Sanatan Dharma should Those who look at Sanatan Dharma narrowly and divide people by saying that discrimination continues here should come here and see that there is no discrimination here. There is no practice of untouchability. There is no discrimination on the basis of gender. Everyone comes together to take bath.”
UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and other cabinet ministers were also present at the inauguration ceremony. ‘Kumbhavani’ has been launched by Prasad Bharti on the occasion of Mahakumbh.
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh appreciated the efforts made by Prasar Bharati in starting a dedicated radio channel for the Maha Kumbh and said that it has overcome challenges despite the changing times.
He said, “All India Radio was the only medium through which we could reach the common people and make them aware of the folk culture and tradition. I remember, in my childhood, we used to listen to the lines of Ramcharitmanas broadcast from All India Radio. As things changed and people moved towards visual mediums, Prasar Bharati managed to maintain its place despite these challenges, especially in areas where connectivity is a problem.”
Earlier, CM Adityanath on Thursday inaugurated the media center for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. He visited the city to review the preparations for the upcoming grand event. Talking about his meeting with various religious leaders and review of preparations, he said that his visit to only two sectors lasted for more than 4 hours.
Mahakumbh is being celebrated after 12 years and more than 45 crore devotees are expected to attend this event. During Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati for a holy bath. Mahakumbh will conclude on 26th February.
The main bathing ritual (Shahi Snan) of Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya) and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
