The ongoing Maha Kumbh, revered as one of the largest spiritual assemblies on the planet, has reached a historic milestone this year, recording an attendance of over 10 crore pilgrims at the Triveni Sangam. This confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers has been the site of profound religious activities since January 13, with the festival set to conclude on February 26.

This year’s event, presided over by the Uttar Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has drawn attention worldwide for its scale and the deep spiritual fervor it inspires. The government’s initial projections estimated a turnout of about 45 crore visitors throughout the duration of the Kumbh, highlighting the event’s massive appeal and importance.

Daily arrivals have surged into the lakhs, with devotees coming from across India and abroad, eager to partake in the sacred bathing rituals believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit. This influx peaks significantly during special bathing days like Makar Sankranti and Paush Purnima, where numbers have reached around 3.5 crore and 1.7 crore, respectively.

The 10 crore milestone, achieved by noon last Thursday, not only underscores the festival’s massive draw but also the logistical prowess in managing such a vast crowd without disrupting the daily life of Prayagraj significantly. The city has continued to function smoothly, with only necessary restrictions applied on major bathing days to accommodate the large numbers.

The participation of ‘kalpvasis’, devout pilgrims who stay at the Sangam for the entire month, dedicating their time to ascetic practices and religious observances, has been particularly noteworthy. Their presence adds a profound spiritual depth to the occasion, enhancing the sanctity of the month-long religious observance.

The local administration has successfully balanced the city’s routine operations with the extraordinary influx of pilgrims. Schools, businesses, and government offices remain open, with only slight modifications to their schedules on key festival days.

The Maha Kumbh not only serves as a beacon of faith but also as a significant event for cultural exchange and spiritual rejuvenation, attracting scholars, spiritual leaders, and tourists keen to observe and participate in this ancient tradition. This year’s record-setting attendance highlights the enduring appeal and spiritual significance of the Kumbh Mela, reinforcing its status as a crucial event in the Hindu religious calendar.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding the potential deportation of undocumented Indians from the United States. He clarified India’s position, emphasising a commitment to facilitating the legal movement of Indian citizens globally while firmly opposing illegal immigration.

This stance, he underscored, is not unique to the United States but reflects India’s consistent and principled approach to managing undocumented citizens worldwide.

Jaishankar acknowledged the ongoing dialogue with the U.S. government regarding the repatriation of Indians who are either undocumented or have overstayed their visas. However, he cautioned against accepting unverified figures circulating in news reports, particularly those suggesting a specific number of individuals facing deportation.

He stressed that India is diligently verifying the citizenship of each individual before confirming their eligibility for repatriation.

“As a government, we wholeheartedly support legal mobility, recognizing the importance of a globalized workforce,” Jaishankar stated. “We want Indian talent and skills to flourish on a global scale. However, we maintain a firm stance against illegal mobility and migration.”

He explained that illegal activities often intertwine with other illegal actions, leading to undesirable consequences and reputational damage.

He highlighted India’s consistent willingness to cooperate with other nations to facilitate the legitimate return of its citizens found to be in violation of immigration laws. This commitment extends to the United States, where India is working to verify the citizenship of those potentially facing deportation. The process, he stressed, requires thorough verification to ensure that only genuine Indian citizens are repatriated.

Jaishankar also used the opportunity to raise concerns about excessively long visa processing times, which he argued negatively impacted the bilateral relationship. He shared these concerns directly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasising the need for streamlined processes that facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility between the two nations. Rubio, Jaishankar noted, acknowledged the validity of these concerns.

In summary, India’s position remains steadfast: a commitment to global mobility for its citizens within the bounds of the law, coupled with a firm stance against illegal immigration. While cooperating with the U.S. on repatriation efforts, India prioritises accurate verification of citizenship to ensure the legitimate return of its citizens. Simultaneously, the government advocates for improvements in visa processing times to bolster the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.

Gautham Vasudev Menon, a prominent name in Tamil cinema, ventured into the Malayalam film industry with his directorial debut, “Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse,” a mystery thriller that captivated audiences upon its release on January 23. The film, a Mammootty Kampany production, stars the legendary Mammootty in the titular role of Dominic, a private investigator navigating a complex web of intrigue.

The ensemble cast boasts a stellar lineup of actors, including Gokul Suresh, Lena, Siddique, Vijay Babu, and Viji Venkatesh, each adding depth and nuance to their respective characters. Sushmitha Bhatt and Meenakshi Unnikrishnan portray significant roles, alongside Vineeth, Shine Tom Chacko, Wafa Khadeeja, and Harshitha Pisharody, enriching the narrative tapestry. Adding a unique touch, director Gautham Vasudev Menon himself makes a cameo appearance as a police officer.

The film’s production journey began in July 2024, initially known as “Production No: 6.” The official title was unveiled in September 2024, coinciding with the commencement of principal photography in Kochi.

The cinematic experience is enhanced by the skilful contributions of a talented technical team. Darbuka Siva’s music sets the mood, while Vishnu R Dev’s cinematography captures the essence of the narrative. Lewellyn Anthony’s editing brings precision and flow to the film’s pacing.

The production design by Shajie Naduvil creates a visually appealing atmosphere, complemented by the dynamic stunts choreographed by Supreme Sunder and Kalai Kingson. Brinda Master’s choreography, Sameera Saneesh and Abhijith’s costume designs, and the dedication of the sound, VFX, and digital marketing teams contribute to a comprehensive and polished final product.

George Sebastian served as the executive producer, ensuring the smooth execution of the project. Dr. Neeraj Rajan penned the story, collaborating with Dr. Sooraj Rajan and the director on the screenplay and dialogues. Wayfarer Films facilitated the film’s distribution, bringing together an accomplished crew to create a cinematic masterpiece.

Early audience reactions paint a positive picture of the film. Viewers have praised Mammootty’s performance, the gripping storyline, and the thrilling climax, while acknowledging the film’s slower pace, which some viewers might find less engaging. However, the overwhelming response suggests a captivating cinematic experience that will resonate with mystery thriller enthusiasts.

Netizens have reacted to the film. One user said, “Dominic and The Ladies’ Purse is a gripping investigation drama with a GVM vibe. Mammootty shines in the lead, and the Sherlock Holmes nods are a nice touch. The slower pace might not work for everyone, but I liked the realistic approach.”

“This movie starts off lighthearted but ramps up to an intense, thrilling ride. The final 35 – 40 minutes are pure brilliance that’ll stay with you! Go watch it! Can’t go wrong with Dominic! He always pulls through!” another said.