On January 14, 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein officially opened the Parshuram Kund Mela, an important spiritual event that draws thousands of pilgrims from across India and beyond. Known as the "Kumbh of the Northeast," the mela takes place at Parshuram Kund, a sacred site that holds great spiritual importance, especially during the festival of Makar Sankranti.
In his speech at the event, Chowna Mein greeted everyone with warm wishes for Makar Sankranti and welcomed all the pilgrims to Parshuram Kund. He expressed his happiness in being part of such a special occasion, where people come together in faith, unity & devotion.
During the event, Chowna Mein also took part in a Havan Puja (a sacred fire ritual) led by respected spiritual leaders. The puja was meant to seek blessings for peace, harmony plus prosperity for Arunachal Pradesh and the whole country. The Deputy CM Chowna Mein shared that he prayed for the well-being of everyone in Arunachal Pradesh and the nation as a whole.
As part of his vision to make Parshuram Kund a world-class pilgrimage site, Chowna Mein announced a ₹50 crore investment under the riverfront development project. This funding will be used to improve the area’s infrastructure, making it more welcoming to visitors and helping the region grow as a major spiritual and tourist destination.
The Deputy CM also talked about the work being done through the PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive). He mentioned new developments, including a newly opened guest house for pilgrims, which will make their stay more comfortable. He emphasized that the government is focused on providing essential facilities like security, accommodation, food, and other services, so that every visitor can have a smooth and enriching experience at Parshuram Kund.
In a meaningful gesture, Chowna Mein said he would carry holy water from Parshuram Kund to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This act symbolizes spiritual unity and a connection between different pilgrimage sites across India.
The Deputy CM also took time to acknowledge the hard work of the volunteers at Parshuram Kund by giving them dress coats as a token of appreciation for their dedication in serving the pilgrims.
This year’s mela saw a significant increase in the number of visitors, with the organizing committee reporting that the number of devotees had doubled compared to previous years. This shows how the event is growing in popularity and importance, not just for the people of Arunachal Pradesh but for people across the country.
The event was also attended by several important leaders, including MLA Namsai Zingnu Namchoom, ZPC Dasula Krisikro, SPs from Namsai and Lohit districts, as well as other public officials and community leaders. Their presence highlighted the importance of the mela and the shared commitment to making Parshuram Kund a major spiritual and cultural destination.
In conclusion, the Parshuram Kund Mela is more than just a religious gathering. It is a celebration of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. By bringing people together through prayer and unity, and by improving the region’s infrastructure, the mela is helping to boost tourism and create a stronger connection between people from all over India. (PR)