Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025: A notable addition to this year’s Mahaumbh was the celebration of Assam’s traditional festival, Bhogali Bihu, within the mela premises. Assamese saints and devotees conducted traditional dances, hymns, and distributed rice-based delicacies, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India.
The sheer diversity of the pilgrims—speaking different languages, wearing varied traditional attire, and carrying unique cultural practices—has created a breathtaking harmony at the Kumbh. This unity amidst diversity is one of the Maha Kumbh’s most profound aspects. It is here that India’s cultural and spiritual heritage comes alive, with saffron flags of the Sanatan tradition flying alongside the tricolor, symbolizing the country’s unity and integrity.
For many, the journey to the Sangam began long before the festival. Pilgrims, young and old, walked miles carrying bundles on their heads, driven by unwavering faith.
‘Ganga Seva Doots‘ (Ganga service volunteers) were stationed at the ghats to maintain cleanliness by promptly removing offerings and other materials from the river.
The Maha Kumbh also featured various cultural programmes, with artists and devotees from different states presenting traditional dances and music, reflecting India’s cultural diversity. The administration provided amenities such as free medical services, drinking water, and transportation to ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees.
Families added another layer to this rich mosaic. Fathers hoisted children onto their shoulders to give them their first glimpse of the sacred confluence. Sons guided their elderly parents through the crowded ghats, ensuring they, too, could partake in the holy waters. It was a living testament to the enduring values of Indian culture—a blend of reverence, duty, and unity
The international participation and the grandeur of the event have significantly contributed to promoting India’s cultural heritage on a global platform, enhancing the nation’s cultural branding worldwide.
Sudarshan, a citizen of America hailing from California, expressed his reverence for the Kumbh festival. He said, “I came six years ago at the Ardh Kumbh and I had a very important experience here. So, I have come back to this Maha Kumbh mela because this is a very special opportunity to connect with some energies that you won’t get anywhere else, and so I have come here to pay my respects and ask for the blessings to continue my life path.” There are multiple such stories of people finding their spiritual awakening in the festival of Kumbh.
In the words of a saint, “The Maha Kumbh is not just a festival; it is a reminder of our connection to the eternal. It is where humanity’s countless threads come together to weave a fabric of divinity and unity.”
