Allahabad, March 5: The Kumbh Mela 2019 ended on Tuesday, drawing to a close to the largest Hindu congregation in the world, which displays the gathering of around 23 crore people over the 55-day period. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath credited the administration officials and sanitation workers for the successful event, which also evoked the first-ever participation of nearly 3,200 non-resident Indians.

Adityanath also announced an award -- Kumbh Seva Medal -- for security personnel deployed at the event which was held here from January 14 to March 4. Yogi Adityanath Announces Ex-Gratia of Rs 25 Lakh, Government Job to Kins of Two CRPF Martyrs.

"More than 24 crore people have taken the holy dip in the Sangam till now. The Kumbh held at Prayagraj (the new name for Allahabad) will always be remembered for many reasons across the globe, especially for innovations used for cleanliness," the UP CM added.

He said this was the first time that event had a logo with a tagline -- Sarva Siddhi Prada Kumbh. Moreover, for the first time, "over 6,000 organisations participated in the Kumbh Mela", the chief minister said.

He said to honour the tradition and culture of India, representatives of 193 countries attended the event. The Chief Minister said that "a lot more things have happened in this Kumbh Mela for the first time like more than 3,000 Non Resident Indians took the holy dip in Sangam."

Devotees also got an opportunity for the first time to see the Akshay Vat after 450 years, he said. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Adityanath said that under his guidance the Kumbh Mela has made its presence felt globally.

"For the first time, with the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UNESCO recognised Kumbh as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik also spoke on this occasion, and congratulated the CM for the successful Kumbh.

(With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2019 12:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).