According to Hindu tradition, a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati during Maha Kumbh is believed to absolve sins. It is thought to pave the path to salvation. The origins of the Kumbh come from the Puranic tale of the Samudra Manthan. In this tale, drops of divine nectar (amrita) spilled at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. These sites became sanctified forever.
A couple of days back, I had visited Prayagraj to experience the divine spirit at the Maha Kumbh.
THE SPECTACLE
The pleasure and joy to watch the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna were mind blowing. They had transformed into a temporary city sprawling across the Sangam area.
What I saw was colourful tents of all sizes and hues have sprung up, creating an awe-inspiring sight at the Maha Kumbh. These tents house spiritual discourses, yoga sessions, cultural programmes, and temporary dwellings for millions of devotees. The air is filled with the aroma of traditional Indian delicacies. Numerous eateries and food stalls cater to the surging crowds. Stalls selling Rudraksha beads, saffron garments, holy books, and souvenirs stretch along the pathways, adding vibrancy to the bustling atmosphere.
The iconic Naga Sadhus, covered in ash and wearing Rudraksha beads, take centre stage, drawing devotees and curious onlookers alike. Aghories, known for their intense spiritual practices, are seen meditating near the riverbanks, adding a mystical charm to the Maha Kumbh gathering.
THE TRANSFORMATION
The Kumbh that greets is a beautiful paradox. It is a swirling hurricane of humanity. Here, the lines between the sacred and the mundane blur into something entirely unexpected.
My carefully constructed mental image shatters like a clay pot on stone steps. It is then reformed into something far more complex. Surprisingly, it becomes more meaningful.
The sight of the celebrities stripped of their glamour at the Maha Kumbh stirs something profound within me. They are dressed in simple white cotton. Their faces are bare of makeup. There is a raw beauty in seeing famous personalities wait patiently for their turn to take a dip. Their usual entourage is replaced by the company of ordinary devotees. In these moments, I realise that fame and fortune are but floating leaves on the eternal river of spirituality.
The crowds here overwhelm my senses like a tidal wave. Bodies press against bodies, moving like a living, breathing organism with its own consciousness. The air is thick with the scent of incense, sweat, and flowers. Sometimes, the press of people triggers a primal panic in my chest. Then, mysteriously, moments of profound peace emerge from the chaos. When the evening aarti begins, and thousands of diyas set the river aglow, time seems to stand still. In these precious moments, all differences dissolve into the gathering darkness. I feel connected to every soul around me. This connection transcends physical discomfort.
SOUL OF INDIA
As days pass at the Maha Kumbh, my expectations continue their dance with reality. The Kumbh reveals itself not as a perfect spiritual heaven untouched by modernity, but as a living, breathing manifestation of India’s soul. It is complex, contradictory, and utterly magnificent in its ability to embrace both tradition and change. My heart swells with unexpected joy when I see young influencers promoting ancient Sanskrit shlokas on their social media. I feel joy when I see a group of international tourists joining a traditional bhajan session. Their eyes show genuine devotion.
The transformation I experience is not the one I anticipated. Instead of finding escape from the modern world, I discover something far more valuable. I see the ability to sense the divine pulsing within the heart of our contemporary reality. Each dip in the holy waters teaches me that spirituality isn’t about escaping life’s complexities. It is about finding meaning within them at the Maha Kumbh.
As I prepare to leave, my heart is full and my soul is stirred. I understand that the true miracle of the Maha Kumbh 2025 lies not in its adherence to ancient ideals. Instead, it is in its power to remain relevant while honouring tradition. I carry home not just holy water in a copper pot. I also carry the profound realization that in our quest for spiritual connection, we are all equal. Celebrities, saints, and common seekers share this equality.
THE FAITH WITHIN
The Kumbh has taught me that divinity does not require isolation from the modern world. It thrives in our ability to maintain faith within the beautiful chaos of contemporary life. We can seek meaning regardless of who we are or where we come from.
My visit to the Maha Kumbh has given me something far more precious – a deeper understanding of both spirituality and humanity, intertwined like the sacred threads that bind our ancient traditions to our evolving present.
(Dr Naresh Purohitis, Principal Investigator – Association of Studies In Behavioural Science. The views expressed here are of the author)