PRAYAGRAJ/NEW DELHI : MORE than 40 crore people across the globe, including millions of pilgrims will take part in the 'holy dip', or 'shahi snan' ​and perform 'aachman' ​in the 'untreated sewage' water flowing directly into the holy river Ganga, during the forthcoming month-long 'Mahakumbh mela' in the newly named 'Prayagraj' city of Uttar Pradesh in India. Preparation for the Mahakumbh, set to begin on January 13 next year, is in full swing.

Though the Government of India has ​spent Rs. 33,000 crores​ so far under various cleaning programmes of river Ganga, including 'Namani Gange,' launched by Mr. Modi in 2014, the compliance report submitted by the UP government officials before National Green Tribunal's judge Justice Prakash Srivatava, it says: "Prayagraj city generates 468.28 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, while the sewage treatment capacity is only 340 MLD. This means that 128.28 MLD of sewage remains untreated and flows directly into the Ganga.​" The report was submitted 50-days before the beginning of the historical Mahkumbha on November 6, 2024.

But, those who believe they are purifying themselves by performing aachman and bathing in the Ganga in the Mahakumbh, unknowingly will do the same in the untreated sewage. Bbetween Kanpur and Prayagraj over 30 untreated drains are discharging waters of various industries, including leather industries in river Yamuna that merged in Prayadraj to get a new name of Sangam - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati .” India’s Central Pollution Control Board’s report says that ‘of the 326 drains in UP, more than 247 remain untapped, discharging 3513.16 MLD of polluted water into the Ganga and its tributaries.”

Earlier, addressing the nation, in the 117th episode of “Man KI Baat”, Narendra Modi stated that the specialty of the Maha Kumbh is not only in its vastness but also in its diversity. Crores of people congregate for this event. Lakhs of saints, thousands of traditions, hundreds of sects, many Akharas, everyone becomes a part of this event. Modi highlighted that there is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, no one is small. Such a scene of unity in diversity is not seen anywhere else in the world. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of unity.

The forthcoming Maha Kumbh will also bolster the mantra of Maha Kumbh of unity. He called upon the citizens to participate in the Maha Kumbh, with a resolve of unity. “Let us also make a resolve to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in the society. If I have to say it in a few words, then I will say, Maha Kumbh Ka Sandesh, Ek Ho Poora Desh”. The message of the Maha Kumbh, let the whole country be united. and putting it in another way, I will express, Ganga Ki Aviral Dhara, Na Bante Samaj Hamara. Like the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga, let our society be undivided”, he stated. 

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a grand assembly of rituals, with the bathing ceremony standing as the most significant of them all. Held at the Triveni Sangam, millions of pilgrims gather to partake in this sacred practice, which is deeply rooted in the belief that immersing oneself in the holy waters can cleanse an individual of all sins. This act of purification is believed to liberate both the individual and their ancestors from the cycle of rebirth, ultimately leading to Moksha, or spiritual liberation. Post-independence, the Maha Kumbh Mela gained even greater significance, symbolizing national unity and India’s rich cultural heritage. Recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the Kumbh Mela stands as a testament to the survival and evolution of ancient traditions in an era of modernization.

Modi further informed that this time in Prayagraj, devotees from the country and the world will also be witness to the digital Maha Kumbh. With the help of digital navigation, you will be able to reach different ghats, temples, and akharas of sadhus. He called upon people to avail of these facilities when they visit Maha Kumbh and upload their selfie with #EktaKaMahakumbh. He also highlighted how the radiance of Indian culture is spreading to every nook & corner of the world, today.

Prayagraj, with a rich history, dates back to 600 BC when the Vatsa kingdom thrived, and Kaushambi served as its capital. Gautama Buddha visited Kaushambi. Later, emperor Ashoka made it a provincial centre during the Mauryan era, marked by his monolithic pillars. Rulers like the Sungas, Kushans, and Guptas also left artefacts and inscriptions in the region. In the 7th century, Chinese traveller Huien Tsang described Prayagraj as a "great city of idolaters," reflecting its strong Brahminical traditions. Its importance grew under Sher Shah, who built the Grand Trunk Road through the area. In the 16th century, Akbar renamed it ‘Ilahabas,’ turning it into a fortified imperial centre and key pilgrimage site, setting the stage for its modern relevance.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a vibrant amalgamation of rituals, with the sacred bathing ceremony at its heart. At the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers, known as Triveni Sangam, millions of devotees will gather to perform this deeply significant ritual. The act of immersing in these holy waters is believed to purify one of sins, liberate both individuals and their ancestors from the cycle of rebirth, and ultimately guide them towards Moksha, or spiritual liberation.

“Maha Kumbh is a living identity representing our legacy of the divine festival of our faith, spirituality and culture”, exclaimed Modi. Every time, the mega event symbolises the divine gathering of religion, knowledge, devotion and art. He also explained that a holy dip in the sangam is equivalent to visiting crores of pilgrimage places. An individual taking a holy dip is rid of all his sins. The Prime Minister remarked that this eternal flow of faith has never stopped despite reigns by various emperors and kingdoms or even during the despotic rule of the British and the major reason behind this was that Kumbh is not driven by any  external forces. Kumbh represented the consciousness of the inner soul of man, the consciousness which comes from within and draws people from every corner of India to the banks of Sangam.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is more than a gathering for spiritual cleansing; it is a vibrant cultural celebration. Traditional music, dance, art, and craftsmanship converge here, making the Mela a feast for the senses. Pilgrims experience not only a spiritual journey but also a deep dive into India’s diverse cultural landscape, united by a shared pursuit of inner peace and understanding. International pilgrims and seekers of spirituality also gather, drawn by the Mela’s universal message of unity, tolerance, and transcendence. Amid the vibrant crowds and colorful displays, the Mela is a reminder that the longing for spiritual fulfillment is a common thread that binds humanity, rising above nationality, language, and beliefs.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is far more than a religious congregation; it is a vibrant celebration interwoven with faith, rituals, and spiritual enlightenment that captures the essence of India's cultural and spiritual heritage. It serves as a profound reflection of the nation's deep-rooted ethos, showcasing the enduring connection between humanity and the divine. Through age-old rituals such as sacred bathing in holy rivers, fasting, charity and heartfelt devotion, this grand festival offers participants a path to Moksha.

The practices at the Kumbh Mela transcend the boundaries of time and space, connecting millions to their ancestral roots and spiritual origins. It is a living testament to the timeless values of unity, compassion, and faith that bind communities together. The grand procession of saints, the resonating chants and the sacred rituals performed at the confluence of rivers transform the Mela into a divine experience that touches the soul of every participant.

Five years ago, the Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj was a historic event, drawing 24 crore pilgrims. It earned global praise for its organisation. Leaders from 182 countries, including 70 Heads of Missions and 3,200 Pravasi Bharatiya participants, applauded the arrangements. The event set three Guinness World Records: the largest bus parade, the biggest public painting drive under the "Paint My City" campaign, and the largest sanitation system.

Spread across 3,200 hectares near the Sangam, the Mela is expected to re-create the world’s largest temporary city with meticulous planning. Extensive beautification efforts included planting 2 lakh plants, building thematic gates, and improving roads within a 10 km radius of Prayagraj. Security was strengthened with over 1,000 cameras, 62 police outposts, and ration systems for 10 lakh Kalpavasis. Overall, Kumbh Mela 2019 seamlessly integrated tradition with modernity, showcasing Prayagraj as a model of large-scale event management.

The Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 is not just a gathering; it is a journey towards the self. Beyond rituals and symbolic acts, it offers pilgrims an opportunity for inner reflection and a deeper connection with the divine. In a world often dominated by the demands of modern life, the Maha Kumbh Mela stands as a beacon of unity, purity, and enlightenment. This timeless pilgrimage serves as a powerful reminder that, despite humanity’s varied paths, we are united in essence—a shared journey towards peace, self-realization, and an enduring reverence for the sacred.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated as the world's largest spiritual gathering, is a breathtaking convergence of faith, culture, and ancient tradition. Rooted in Hindu mythology, this sacred festival unfolds four times over a course of twelve years, rotating between four revered cities in India: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj, each situated along the banks of the holiest rivers—the Ganges, Shipra, Godavari, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. In 2025, from January 13 to February 26, Prayagraj will once again become the heart of this magnificent celebration, drawing millions of pilgrims and visitors to witness a profound display of devotion, unity, and the vibrant expression of India’s spiritual heritage.

The roots of the Kumbh Mela stretch back thousands of years, finding early references during the Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE). The initial gatherings, although not as large as the modern Kumbh Mela, drew pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent. Over time, the Mela’s significance grew alongside Hinduism’s rise, with rulers like the Guptas further elevating its status as a revered religious congregation.

During the medieval period, the Kumbh Mela received patronage from various royal dynasties, including the Chola and Vijayanagar empires in the south, and the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals in the north. Even Mughal emperors such as Akbar are noted to have participated in the celebrations, illustrating a spirit of religious tolerance. Historical accounts reveal that in 1565, Akbar granted the Naga Sadhus the honor of leading the royal entry into the Mela, an act symbolizing unity across religious and cultural lines. In the colonial period, British administrators observed and documented the festival, intrigued by its massive scale and the diverse congregations it drew. Figures such as British colonial administrator James Prinsep chronicled the Kumbh Mela in the 19th century, detailing its ritualistic practices, the vast congregations, and the socio-religious dynamics at play. These accounts contributed valuable insights into the Kumbh’s evolution and its resilience through time.

In a world marked by the hustle of modernity, few events hold the power to bring millions together in pursuit of something greater than themselves. The Maha Kumbh Mela, a sacred pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years, stands as a unique embodiment of such power. Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest peaceful gathering, draws millions of pilgrims who bathe in sacred rivers seeking to purify themselves from sins and attain spiritual liberation. As pilgrims prepare for their journey to Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, they will not only engage in a series of spiritual rituals but also embark on an odyssey that transcends physical, cultural, and even spiritual boundaries.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology and represents one of the most significant gatherings of faith in the world. This sacred event rotates between four locations in India-Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj- each situated by a holy river, from the Ganges to the Shipra, the Godavari, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati in Prayagraj. The timing of each Kumbh Mela is determined by the astrological positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, believed to signal an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and self-enlightenment. Rooted in the rich soils of Indian mythology and culture, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a profound representation of humanity’s timeless quest for inner peace, self-realization, and spiritual unity.

The Kumbh Mela is an event that intrinsically encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and socio-cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge. This event is celebrated by a broad spectrum of pilgrims from the Hindu faith. Participants include ascetics, such as Sadhus and Naga Sadhus, who practice intense spiritual discipline, hermits who emerge from seclusion to join the Mela, seekers of spiritual wisdom, and everyday practitioners of Hinduism. This vast gathering embodies a unique convergence of faith, wisdom, and cultural heritage.

PHOTOS: PIB and RAVI Batra