NEW DELHI: A group of Pakistani pilgrims took part in Maha Kumbh Mela at Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.In conversation with ANI, the visitors expressed gratitude to India’s government for swift visa processing, allowing them to attend this spiritual gathering.The pilgrims from neighbouring Pakistan, commended the organisation whilst expressing delight at visiting various camps and interacting with spiritual leaders at the Mela.Govind Ram Makhija voiced his wish for continued visa approvals from the Indian government for Pakistani devotees.”We are here and we are very happy. It is very well organised and we have been very well served. We never even imagined that it could happen”, he said.He further stated that his happiness was beyond to be expressed in words.Another visitor, Ishwar Lal Makhija, appreciated the arrangements. “We are thankful to the Indian government who had made a very good arrangement for us right from the station till here (camps)”, he informed ANI.Priyanka, visiting India for the first time, expressed her delight. “Feels great. It feels we are very close to our culture here… Everything here feels like we belong. Like our worship, our religious place, everything that we see, it feels very good,” she said.Another devotee, Kavita, expressed profound joy at participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela.”We consider ourselves very fortunate. We are excited to learn more about our religion here. We are very thankful to the Indian Government. They gave us a 25-day visa in 3 days”, said a pilgrim.”As soon as we reached here, we were listening to bhajan and all night we were feeling peaceful. We are very happy and peaceful”, said Gobind Ram.Visitors worldwide have commended the administrative arrangements. As of February 5, 2025, over 389.7 million devotees have taken the holy dip since the Mela began.Mahakumbh 2025, which commenced on Paush Purnima on January 13, represents the world’s largest spiritual and cultural congregation, drawing followers globally. The Maha Kumbh continues until Mahashivratri on February 26.
‘Close to our culture’: Pakistani pilgrims join Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, hail India’s hospitality
