Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 11 (HBTV): Amid preparations for the Maha Kumbh, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Thursday praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his efforts to ensure the success of the mega religious congregation.

'The Maha Kumbh is holy in itself, where Ganga and Yamuna meet at the confluence. The government is responsible for making arrangements, but it feels good to see that the Chief Minister himself is taking interest,' the seer told ANI.

Addressing claims that some of the land used for preparations belongs to the Waqf Board, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said there was no evidence to support such allegations. 'We can only talk about it when there is some evidence,' he added.

Speaking about the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, the seer urged people to support a party committed to cow protection. He had earlier demanded that the cow be granted the status of Rashtra Mata (Mother of the Nation).

The Maha Kumbh, celebrated every 12 years, is expected to draw over 45 crore devotees. During the event, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip.

The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26. The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) are scheduled for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

(ANI)