Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 27 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday highlighted the success of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and said that over 66.30 crore people visited the religious event.

The Chief Minister further announced that the Mahakumbh has led to the creation of five new spiritual tourism corridors in the state, linking Prayagraj with key spiritual destinations such as Mirzapur, Kashi, Gorakhpur, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Naimisharanya, and Mathura-Vrindavan.

CM Yogi also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of harnessing the potential of spiritual tourism, stating that Uttar Pradesh is well-positioned to become the hub for it.

Addressing a gathering in Prayagraj today, CM Yogi said, 'More than 66.30 crore people visited Prayagraj. The new vision given by the PM is that spiritual tourism also has potential, and if any state can become the base for it, it is Uttar Pradesh. Prayagraj Mahakumbh has opened five spiritual tourism corridors in the state - Prayagrag-Mirzapur-Kashi, Prayagraj-Gorakhpur, Prayagraj-Chitrakoot, Prayagraj-Lucknow- Naimisharanya, Prayagraj-Mathura-Vrindavan.'

The Chief Minister also praised the media for their reportage of Prayagraj Maha Kumbh and said, 'The centre and the state government performed their responsibilities, the adminstration and institutions also helped devotees reach the Prayagraj, but to air the entire entire happenings of the Maha Kumbh Mela and that too in a positive manner to the people in their homes was the media.'

'No matter how good the arrangements would have been, no matter how grand the entire religious event would have taken place, but if the media coverage hadn't taken it live and aired it across the country, the event would have been limited only to the people of Prayagraj, or the state. This was done by both the national and international media,' he said.

Adding further, CM Yogi said, 'The country's and international media praised the arrangements done at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. You all played the role of excellent marketing. The media has proved that by spending Rs 7500 crore, growth of Rs 3.5 lakh crore can be achieved.'

Earlier in the day, CM Yogi Adityanath also interacted with boat drivers in Prayagraj following the conclusion of Maha Kumbh.

After his interaction, CM Yogi said, 'After registration, every boat driver will be provided with a Rs 5 lakh insurance scheme. Funds will be provided to buy a boat. Those who do not have health insurance will be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.'

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and KP Maurya offered prayers at Shri Lete Hanumanji Temple in Prayagraj this afternoon.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on Wednesday, marking a momentous event filled with spiritual unity, divine energy, and supernatural significance.

The Chief Minister said that more than 66 crore 21 lakh devotees received the holy benefit of bathing in the holy Triveni in the Mahakumbh-2025 that began from 13 January, Paush Purnima, until February 26, Maha Shivratri, in Prayagraj.

'This is unprecedented in world history - unforgettable. It is the result of the holy blessings of revered Akharas, saints, Mahamandaleshwars and religious gurus that this great gathering of harmony is becoming divine and grand and giving the message of unity to the entire world,' posted CM Yogi.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed his gratitude to the millions who gathered at the Triveni Sangam for the holy dip, emphasising the historic success of the Kumbh under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The 45-day-long religious gathering, Mahakumbh 2025, concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, yet devotees continued to arrive at Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam for a holy dip today.

In a post on X CM Yogi Adityanath said, 'Respected Prime Minister, it is the result of your successful guidance that the 'Maha Yagya of Unity, Equality, Harmony' Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj has been concluded today by setting new standards of security, cleanliness and good management along with grandeur and divinity. In the last 45 holy days, more than 66 crore devotees, including revered saints and sages, have been blessed by taking a dip of faith in the holy Triveni.'

CM Yogi further said that the religious gathering bound the whole world with the sacred sentiment of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.

The Uttar Pradesh CM was replying to PM Modi's blog that reflected on the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh, describing it as a 'Maha Yagya of unity.' (ANI)