Sunny Dua
The Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, which began on January 13, 2025, with a sacred dip on Paush Purnima, concluded on February 26, 2025, on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. Over 1.53 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam on the final day, contributing to an astounding total of 66.30 crore pilgrims over the 45-day festival.
More than just a sacred meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati, the Mahakumbh became a grand confluence of faith, culture, and spiritual awakening. Devotees from around the world gathered to celebrate Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, and Maghi Purnima and offered prayers and immersing themselves in the sanctity of the holy waters.
This centuries-old congregation, often considered the largest human gathering on Earth, transcended religious boundaries, embracing millions with its spiritual energy. Elaborate arrangements ensured a seamless experience for the pilgrims, reinforcing the deep-rooted reverence that defines the Mahakumbh. A particularly moving sight was that of devotees offering sarees and dupattas to the sacred rivers, a powerful testament to the Indian tradition of worshipping rivers as divine entities rather than mere water sources.
Given that Uttar Pradesh itself has a population of approximately 25 Crore, hosting a gathering of more than double its population is a testament to the state’s exceptional planning and management. Despite inevitable challenges, including incidents of stampedes, fires, and road accidents, the unwavering faith of the devotees remained unshaken. Pilgrims, undeterred by long journeys and hardships, continued to make their way to the sacred ghats, their only goal being to bathe in the purifying waters of the Ganges and carry its holy water back home for those unable to attend.
The breathtaking spectacle of Prayagraj’s ghats, especially Triveni Sangam, was a sight to behold. Drenched in devotion, the atmosphere resonated with the chants of prayers, the echoes of conch shells, and the vibrant colors of religious festivity round the clock. Pilgrims of all ages were seen taking the holy dip, while their companions captured these divine moments – memories to be cherished for a lifetime. For many, this was more than a pilgrimage; it was a historical event, marking their presence at what was hailed as the largest gathering of Hindus -and humanity – on the planet.
With the next Maha Kumbh set to return after 144 years, being part of this celestial congregation was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many who converged at Pryagraj from across the world. Amidst the sea of devotees, a heartwarming sight unfolded – the elderly imparting wisdom to the young, narrating the sanctity of Kumbh and the spiritual significance of the holy dip. Equally moving was the sight of young devotees guiding their aged parents to the sacred banks of the Ganga, embodying a timeless cycle of devotion and reverence.
This extraordinary convergence was not merely about ritual purification; it was a profound fusion of generations, united in their quest for spiritual awakening. Drawn by the teachings of Hinduism, the essence of faith, and the philosophy of spiritual consciousness, even the youth -often consumed by the digital age were seen themselves gravitating toward the sacred waters in search of meaning and inner peace. Beyond the glare of the modern world – far from the endless hum of television screens, the distractions of social media, and the revelry of urban life – Mahakumbh presented an entirely different reality.
It was a world where ancient traditions came alive, where faith superseded fleeting indulgences, and where seekers reconnected with their roots. Pryagraj, where all roads converged at Ganga Ghats, amid the chanting of hymns and the resonance of spiritual discourses, people were rediscovering the beauty of simple living, community service, and the profound wisdom of their forebears. It was a return to an era where inner consciousness, spiritual enrichment, and family bonds took precedence over material pursuits.
At a time when India is rapidly transitioning into a nuclear family structure, visuals at Mahakumbh presented a striking contrast. Large families – sometimes 20 or more in a group were seen navigating the pilgrimage together, ensuring that no member is left behind. In these moments, the essence of true India – hospitality, faith, cultural richness, and unbreakable family ties came alive, offering a glimpse of a tradition that, despite modern challenges, remained resilient and was steadily finding its path to revival.
As the author of this article embarked on a journey to Prayagraj by road to attend a Media Chaupal (Media Conclave), where journalists from across the country had converged to discuss and cover the grandeur of Mahakumbh 2025, the experience turned out to be much more than just a reporting assignment – it was an immersion into the very soul of India. Traveling by road presented an entirely different perspective of the pilgrimage. The highways, reflecting India’s rapid development, were dotted with religious sites of interest, roadside eateries, and well-equipped lay-by areas providing all necessary amenities for travellers.
Upon reaching Prayagraj, it was evident that the entire city was in a grand festive mood. Streets were abuzz with pilgrims, saints, and visitors from across the globe, all drawn to this sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. With the Mahakumbh stretching over weeks, the city was meticulously prepared to host millions of guests, ensuring a seamless experience for all.
Security arrangements were robust yet unobtrusive, allowing pilgrims to move freely. Authorities ensured that while safety measures were strictly enforced, people were guided and cautioned rather than harassed. Some roads leading to the ghats remained closed for vehicular traffic, but this was a strategic decision to manage crowds efficiently and ensure the safety of all attendees. Even with restricted vehicular access, the short trek to the ghats was a spectacle in itself. From bus stands, railway stations, airports, and car parking areas, every route ultimately led to the sacred riverbanks.
The sector-wise planning of Kumbh Mela site ensured well-divided zones with ample access roads and spacious ghats, minimizing the risk of stampedes or overcrowding. At the ghats, the fine layer of thatch spread across the sandy banks provided a stable surface, making walking effortless and preventing pilgrims’ feet from sinking into the sand. The main walkways were reinforced with sturdy steel sheets and supported by robust belly bridges, ensuring a firm, walkable path even under heavy foot traffic.
This thoughtful infrastructure even facilitated the movement of small vehicles in designated areas, proving to be a brilliant engineering feat. The arrangements at the bathing ghats were exemplary. Pilgrims had ample changing rooms to freshen up, and the riverbanks were secured with plastic-container barriers that created designated bathing areas to prevent people from drifting into deeper waters. Beyond these enclosures, boats with trained swimmers and rescue personnel remained on constant vigil, ensuring round-the-clock safety for all devotees.
A devotee Nidhi who travelled from West Bengal with her sister Neha to Mahakumbh 2025 said, “its not just a religious congregation; it is a testament to India’s unparalleled ability to organize, accommodate, and safeguard millions of people while preserving the sanctity of faith, tradition, and spiritual devotion”. We two sisters are here for three days on our own and feel safe besides comfortable in carrying our spiritual journey at this young age, Nidhi said adding that certain shortcomings with regards to public conveniences are there but can be ignored given the kind of other arrangements made at the site.
For better management of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh government had declared the Kumbh Mela area as the state’s 76th district for a duration of four months. Officials on duty said that over 5,000 hectares of Ganga basin came under this temporary district, which included 66 revenue villages spread across four tehsils and sector magistrates too have been appointed temporality to ensure hassle-free movement of pilgrims. This temporary district was further divided into multiple sectors, each hosting a tented city equipped with essential facilities.
“These sectors housed various Akharas, Ashrams, and spiritual enclosures, where revered saints, spiritual leaders, and devotees resided”, an official of Uttar Pradesh government said adding that within these enclosures, one could find common areas, community kitchens, designated prayer spaces, hawan kunds, and multi-purpose halls, serving as centers for bhajans, Ram Katha recitations, spiritual discourses, seminars, and even Media Chaupals that keep visitors engaged throughout their stay.
The bustling marketplace within this temporary district was another remarkable sight. Vendors lined the pathways, offering everything from drinking water, empty gallons needed for filling holy water from Ganges or Sangam, everyday essentials, and devotional items to toys, plastic sheets for changing after a holy dip, and traditional sweets and snacks. The entire mela-like atmosphere engulfed visitors, making them forget the outside world as they immersed themselves in rituals, prayers, and spiritual reflections at the site which were well illuminated and stayed alive round the clock.
Mahakumbh was not just a religious gathering; it was a grand confluence of faith, culture, and humanity. The event drew pilgrims in large family groups, entire villages, spiritual congregations, solo journeys, and even young women traveling independently-a reflection of both deep-rooted faith and evolving social dynamics. What made the gathering truly special was the interactions that unfold here-people from across India and around the world exchange spiritual experiences, cultural traditions, and personal stories of devotion.
The Mahakumbh Mela was a time when social, economic, and cultural barriers dissolved-where the rich and poor, urban dwellers and villagers, the educated and illiterate, saints and sadhus, men and women, children and the elderly, the strong and the infirm all came together in a harmonious blend of devotion and faith to bathe at Ganga and Sangam Ghats. Engrossed in the spiritual aura of the event, pilgrims were seen moving effortlessly with the flow, walking together towards the ghats lining both banks of the sacred river.
At any hour of the day or night, countless devotees took the holy dip, aligning their prayers and rituals with their travel schedules, all while maintaining an unspoken coordination that kept the world’s largest religious gathering running in an almost auto-pilot mode. In this vast sea of humanity, cooperation came naturally, as if guided by an invisible force of faith and tradition.
The elaborate preparations undertaken by the Uttar Pradesh administration, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stood as a testament to meticulous planning and flawless execution. From security and safety measures to logistical arrangements and crowd management, every aspect of the 45-day-long pilgrimage was carefully structured to ensure a hassle-free experience for millions. The Mahakumbh 2025, a spectacle that returns once every 144 years, was nothing short of a grand success.
Amidst this historic religious gathering, the Media Choupal 2025, held at the Ganga Mahasabha premises in Prayagraj, brought together journalists, press representatives, and digital media professionals from across the country. This intellectual confluence provided a platform for discussing the role of media in shaping public discourse, fostering unity and cultural harmony, and highlighting historical traditions within modern contexts. Journalists exchanged insights on Mahakumbh 2025, particularly focusing on the participation of Buddhist monks, which symbolized interfaith solidarity.
The discussions at Media Choupal 2025 also served as a reminder of the power of responsible journalism in promoting national integrity and unity. Key speakers, including Senior RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar, senior journalists Anita Chowdhary, Sunny Dua and Prof. Anil Saumitra from IIMC, who emphasized the importance of ethical journalism and the media’s role in fostering unity amidst India’s diverse cultures and religions. Prof. Saumitra, who played a crucial role in the success of the event, extended a warm welcome to attendees and highlighted the need for responsible reporting in today’s media landscape.
The origins of the Kumbh Mela are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, specifically the legend of Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. According to ancient scriptures, the Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) joined forces to extract Amrit, the nectar of immortality. During this process, a Kumbh (Pot) filled with sacred nectar emerged.
To prevent it from falling into the hands of the demons, Lord Vishnu, in the guise of Mohini, carried the pot across the heavens. As he journeyed, a few drops of the nectar spilled at four locations-Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik-which later became the sacred sites of the Kumbh Mela, celebrated in rotation.
This Mahakumbh truly lived up to its name. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Kumbh Mela once again showcased the enduring power of faith and unity. Though the grand spectacle of the Mahakumbh concluded on Mahashivratri, the kind of spiritual awakening, national consciousness, and sense of unity it rekindled will continue to inspire generations, serving as a timeless reminder of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage for ages to come.
(The writer is senior Journalist)
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