Mahakumbh Nagar: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to help 2,000 senior citizens experience the Sangam Snan before the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh on February 26. The initiative aims to ensure that elderly devotees, particularly those from state-run old-age homes, can access essential services and partake in the spiritual experience of the Kumbh Mela.
The government, through the Social Welfare Department, has partnered with the National Medicos Organization and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to offer support to underprivileged groups, especially the elderly. As part of this effort, over 500 senior citizens from districts like Mirzapur, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Bhadohi, and Lucknow have already participated in the Maha Kumbh.
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Shravan Kumbh for hearing impaired, elderly
A major initiative under the Uttar Pradesh government’s program is the Shravan Kumbh, which offers examinations and assistance for those with hearing impairments. The government also launched a special camp for the elderly and hearing-impaired during this Maha Kumbh, providing free tests and assistive devices to those in need.
To accommodate the elderly, the government has set up a 100-bed ashram in the Kumbh area, providing special facilities for senior citizens from various old-age homes. This ashram allows them to stay comfortably while participating in the Sangam Snan and other religious activities.
Commitment to elderly welfare
Asim Arun, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Welfare, highlighted the government's commitment to the safety, respect, and health of senior citizens. "The double-engine government is continuously working for the welfare of senior citizens across the state. In this context, the Social Welfare Department is organising Shravan Kumbh in the Maha Kumbh area, with many senior citizens benefiting from it," he said.
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, has drawn millions of pilgrims to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. By Monday evening, nearly 35 crore devotees had taken a dip, and the government expects the footfall to exceed 50 crore by the end of the festival on February 26. Special bathing dates on February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Mahashivratri) are anticipated to bring even larger crowds.
Agency
Published: 04 Feb 2025, 10:22 am IST
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