Prayagraj Kumbh enters Guinness Book of World Records

The biggest show on Earth has found a place in a special book. The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 has secured place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest crowd management, largest sanitation drive and largest painting exercise of public sites.

“A three-member team from the Guinness World Records visited Prayagraj for the purpose. Exercises at a large-scale were performed before the team for four days, from February 28 to March 3. Around 503 shuttle buses were pressed into service on the highway in one go for the team on February 28. Several people participated in a painting exercise on March 1 and 10,000 workers engaged in cleaning at the Kumbh, all performing their duties together,” the Ministry of Culture said in a statement.

The festival, which began on January 14, concluded on March 4 with the sixth and final “Shahi Snan” (royal bath) on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

The previous five royal baths were held successfully with more than 22 crore pilgrims taking holy dips, the Ministry said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the Uttar Pradesh government for the “exceptional” organising of Kumbh 2019, and said it “showcased the best of culture and spirituality”.

“Congratulations to the people of UP, especially Prayagraj,” PM Modi tweeted as he praised the work done by the entire administration under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

His comments came a day after the 50-day-long religious, spiritual and cultural jamboree ended. About the Prayagraj Kumbh, he said: “This Kumbh showcased the best of our culture, spirituality and will be remembered for years to come.”

“A record was set for the most number of people sweeping the floors. Records were also set in the fields of transportation and art. Use of technology for administering the Kumbh was commendable,” he said.