Kumbh is one of the largest spiritual gathering in the world, where millions of devotees come together to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Being a Gen-Z, I never considered religious rituals, worshipping or traditional practices a part of my daily life. However, my first experience at Maha Kumbh 2025 changed my perspective in ways I had never imagined.
Before visiting, I had only heard about Kumbh through stories and movies, primarily highlighting how people get lost in the crowd. However, when I reached there, I realised it was just a myth. The arrangements were well organised, and despite the massive gathering, everything was managed efficiently. Instead of chaos, I found discipline, devotion, and a deep sense of social harmony among the people. There are no barriers—only faith and devotion.
My journey to Kumbh was not easy. It took me 28 hours to reach my destination due to a 300-kilometer-long traffic jam. But rather than feeling frustrated, my curiosity about Kumbh only grew stronger. What was so special about this event that made millions of people endure such hardships just to be there? The answer became clear as soon as I entered the sacred area.
I was a bit scared before going there because there was a perception in media that the crowd is becoming out of control. However, upon reaching, I saw that security and crowd management were well taken care of, ensuring the safety of the devotees.
The moment I arrived, I felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the Maha Kumbh. From every corner of Bharat, people had gathered here, dressed in different attires, speaking different languages, yet united by a single faith. The devotion in their eyes and the chants of sacred mantras created a powerful and peaceful atmosphere.
The entire Prayagraj city and area of Kumbh was beautifully decorated. Colourful tents and artistic designs around the city looked like a magical tale. At night, thousands of lights brighten the area, making it look like a festival of Diwali. The riverbanks glow with aarti and floating diyas, creating a peaceful and divine atmosphere. Large gates welcome the pilgrims; the streets are filled with sacred chants and music. The evening Ganga aarti, where lakhs of devotees pray together, made it even more special.
Visiting Maha Kumbh felt like entering another world. I saw saints lost in deep meditation. Groups of people singing devotional songs while lakhs walking towards the river with full faith. The energy of the place was incredible, and it felt like we were all connected by a shared spiritual journey.
One of the most remarkable things about Kumbh 2025 was its environmental consciousness. Despite the vast crowd, cleanliness was maintained. The authorities ensured proper waste disposal, and many devotees followed the principle of leaving no trace behind. It was inspiring to see such awareness in a place visited by crores of people. It was heartening to see how complete strangers helped each other, shared food, and engaged in conversations despite their diverse backgrounds.
The heart of Maha Kumbh is the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Watching people taking a dip in the sangam with immense faith was a great experience. The belief that this act cleanses sins and grants peace was something I could see reflected in their expressions.
One thing I noticed at Kumbh was the thriving economic cycle, which serves as a strong rebuttal to those who say “dharma se roti thodi aa jayegi”. A man who usually worked on construction sites was now running a bike taxi service at Kumbh told me that earlier, he earned around Rs 700-800 per day, but now, with the influx of crores of pilgrims, he is making up to Rs 10,000 per day. There were thousands of such people who were earning lakhs through small businesses at Kumbh.
Why do people visit Kumbh?
A saint told me that people visit Kumbh for many reasons. Some come to seek blessings, while others want to experience the powerful atmosphere of devotion. Saints and sages from different religious groups share their knowledge, and people participate in prayers, singing, and religious discussions. Many people believe that taking a dip in the river during Kumbh cleanses their past mistakes and helps them move towards a better life. It is also a chance to learn about Dharma, Karma and Moksha.
If one has to understand the essence of Bharat, Kumbh is the place to be. People from different castes, communities, languages and sects all come together, dissolving their differences in the Sangam. There are no barriers—only faith and devotion.
In today’s world, where divisions based on religion, politics, and identity are growing, Kumbh stands as a reminder of Bharat’s inherent unity.
Even for someone like me, who does not engage in daily prayers or rituals, witnessing the faith of crores of devotees was an eye-opener. The spiritual energy of the place was undeniable. I saw elderly men and women travelling from remote villages walking barefoot for miles, children like me with their entire families in the chilling cold just to take a dip in the Sangam and experience this unity and diversity.
My first Kumbh experience was unlike anything I had ever witnessed before. It was not just a religious gathering but a celebration of Bharat’s diversity and unity. The discipline, devotion, environmental awareness, 24 hours of chanting unique mantras and spiritual energy made it an unforgettable journey.
Kumbh is more than just a pilgrimage; it is evidence of Bharat’s cultural strength. This experience will stay with me for my whole life. It has changed my perspective and deepened my understanding of Sanatan unity. While I may not have become more religious after this journey, I certainly gained a respect for traditions, devotion and the incredible spirit of Bharat.
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