Tag: Spiritual Experience

‘Maha Kumbh Is A Divine, Unforgettable Journey; Its Sheer Scale Is Soul-Stirring’

By LokMarg

Harinam Das, a spiritual preacher of the Bhagavad Gita, says it was heartening to see the unwavering faith and deep cultural roots that Maha Kumbh represents.

Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a festival; it is a spiritual phenomenon that brings millions together in the quest for divine blessings and purification. My recent experience at the religious congregation was nothing short of extraordinary. I had the privilege of leading around 80 devotees on this sacred pilgrimage, and each of us was deeply moved by the sheer scale, devotion, and meticulous organization of this grand event.

One of the most striking aspects of this Kumbh event was the outstanding arrangements made by the government. It is unimaginable how such a vast area was divided into well-planned sectors, ensuring that every akhara, organization, and pilgrim had designated spaces. The efforts put in by the administration, police, and volunteers were truly commendable.

Essential services such as water and electricity were supplied seamlessly to every camp, with on-demand services available when needed. This level of infrastructure management in a temporary city that hosts millions is nothing short of a miracle. The roads leading to the Sangam were well-constructed, and the temporary bridges built over the Ganga and Yamuna facilitated smooth movement, allowing devotees to reach their destination with ease.

It was a testament to Vedic culture and faith. What touched my heart the most was the unwavering faith and deep cultural roots that Kumbh Mela represents. It was incredible to witness lakhs of sadhus taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, purifying not just themselves but also uplifting the sanctity of the sacred waters. It is often said that the general public leaves their sins in the Triveni Sangam, and the pure-hearted sadhus absorb these impurities, cleansing the river through their devotion. Witnessing this profound act of selfless service was truly awe-inspiring.

The unwavering dedication of devotees who take time off from their daily lives to participate in this spiritual gathering reaffirms the deep trust people have in our Vedic Sanskriti. It was a heart-warming sight to see people from all walks of life, from across India and beyond, coming together for this divine occasion.

ALSO READ: ‘A Spiritual Experience And A Reminder For Better River Management’

Of course, there is always a scope for improvement. While the arrangements were outstanding, there are always opportunities for improvement. One key lesson could be drawn from the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, where crowd management and security protocols are meticulously executed. Increasing the presence of police and other uniform forces and more helping booths at key junctions would further enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

Additionally, there should be an official social media and YouTube channel managed by the government. This would ensure the spread of authentic news related to the Kumbh Mela, preventing misinformation and unnecessary panic. With millions relying on digital platforms for updates, having a reliable source for official announcements would help pilgrims plan their visit smoothly.

Over all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Maha Kumbh is an experience like no other. The spiritual energy, the devotion, and the divine atmosphere make it a truly transformative journey. If you are hesitant about visiting due to concerns about the crowd, you may consider coming after February 15, when the rush settles.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this grand spiritual congregation. Kumbh Mela is not just an event—it is a living testament to Sanatana Dharma, reminding us of our timeless spiritual heritage and the unity it fosters among devotees worldwide.

Jai Ganga Maiya! Har Har Mahadev!

(The narrator, popularly called Harinam Prabhuji, has been preaching the Bhagavad Gita for over 12 years. A B.Tech graduate, he blends modern education with the teachings of Lord Krishna)

As told to Deepa Gupta

‘Kumbh is Both a Spiritual Experience & a Reminder of Shoddy River Management’

By LokMarg

Aruna Trivedi, who took a holy dip at Maha Kumbh, left the Sangam with a mixed bag of experiences – soothing for the soul but worrisome for ecological conservation. Her views

The air was thick with devotion as I stepped onto the holy grounds of Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. At 58, I had dreamt of this spiritual journey for decades, a pilgrimage my ancestors spoke of with reverence. The Maha Kumbh, held every 144 years, is no ordinary event—it is the epitome of faith, drawing millions of seekers to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

Arriving at the sprawling mela site was awe-inspiring. A sea of humanity stretched as far as the eye could see, united in faith and purpose. The atmosphere was electric with chants, bhajans, and the aroma of incense wafting through the air. Despite the energy, a sense of calm enveloped me, as if the rivers themselves were welcoming us to cleanse our souls.

The arrangement for bathing, the pinnacle of the Kumbh experience, was a mix of efficiency and challenges. On one hand, the designated ghats were clearly marked, and volunteers tirelessly guided pilgrims to ensure orderliness. I was heartened to see dedicated lanes for the elderly and differently-abled, an effort that reflected a well-thought-out administrative approach. However, the sheer magnitude of attendees tested the system to its limits.

Many complained about the long waiting hours and occasional lapses in crowd control. Some ghats did appear neglected, with limited access to basic amenities like clean changing rooms. In contrast, other sections, likely the VIP-designated areas, boasted far better arrangements, leaving one to wonder about the equity of resource allocation.

Trivedi feels Administration could have done better with less VIP culture

The water itself, the spiritual centerpiece of this event, left much to be desired. While taking the sacred dip, I couldn’t ignore the murky waters—a far cry from the pristine imagery I had envisioned. The Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati may be eternal symbols of purity, but the stark reality of pollution raised concerns about the health implications for pilgrims. Nevertheless, faith triumphed over doubt as I immersed myself, surrendering to the divine.

ALSO READ: ‘Char Dham Project Is An Ecological Disaster’

Despite the occasional hiccups, the administration deserves credit for managing an event of this magnitude. The sheer logistics of housing, feeding, and directing millions is daunting, yet they managed to keep the spirit of the Kumbh alive. Makeshift tents provided temporary shelter, and langars served food with unmatched generosity. However, waste management remained an unresolved issue, with overflowing bins and litter marrying parts of the sacred landscape.

The Maha Kumbh is more than an event—it is an awakening. As I sat by the Sangam after my bath, watching the rivers converge under a rising sun, I felt a deep connection to something far greater than myself. The myths and legends surrounding this confluence felt tangible, as if centuries of devotion had sanctified the air itself.

Leaving Kumbh, I carried mixed emotions: gratitude for experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime gathering, coupled with a hope for better preservation of our sacred rivers. The Maha Kumbh 2025 was a testament to humanity’s enduring faith, but it also reminded me of our responsibility to honor the very elements that sustain it.

As told to Deepti Sharma