The grand Kumbh Mela that was held in Prayagraj has created numerous records. Every day, new records were being set with great enthusiasm. The entire world was witnessing this miracle of the eternal tradition through various lenses—religious, devotional, historical, and eternal faith. This Kumbh Mela, with its rich legacy of spiritual and cultural traditions, has provided a new direction and perspective to both India and the world. Even in the age of technology and science, the important centre of religious identity remains the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, and this is being felt at every step.
Many individuals have shared their experiences regarding the Kumbh Mela held at the Triveni Sangam of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, through different mediums. However, the most important aspect is that, even in this modern technological and progressive age, the spiritual and cultural heritage of India transcends barriers of caste, class, wealth, education, and status, and is united solely by the path of faith and devotion. The spiritual flame of India has been reignited through this historical Kumbh, and it shines forth.
Moreover, through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), special events have been organised to mark the centenary celebrations of the organisation. The Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram also organised the “Janajati Sanskritik Samagam” (Janjati Cultural Gathering) from February 6 to February 10, 2025. Over 10,000 janjati people, adorned in their traditional attire from various janjati regions across India, participated in a grand procession and performed the sacred ritual at the Triveni Sangam. This was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable highlights of the Kumbh Mela. Additionally, the gathering of a significant number of young people, as part of the “Yuva Kumbh,” created an entirely different vibrant energy in the atmosphere.
Essentially, the Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every twelve years, symbolises Indian identity and existence and has been an object of faith for generations. This explains the eagerness of the janjati communities to attend the Kumbh Mela. However, due to geographic distances and the lack of proper transport facilities, many were unable to participate, despite their strong desire. Since 2005, the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has been working towards bringing together tribals from various regions to attend Kumbh Melas, such as the Shabari Kumbh, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj, to offer their prayers and partake in the holy baths.
With the aim of bringing together 15,000 janjati brothers and sisters at this year’s Prayagraj Kumbh, preparations were made accordingly. Several meetings and planning sessions were held, and various key figures were involved in organising events in collaboration with Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, including Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj, Mahant Raghunathbappa Farshiware Baba, Surabhi Pratishthan, Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, Uttam Dham, and other spiritual leaders. Between February 6 and February 10, a series of programs were held at the temporary Birsa Center in Sector 9 of Prayagraj. These programs included the Janajati Yuva Kumbh, processions, royal baths, folk art and cultural exhibitions, and conventions of tribal saints and social workers.
The key event took place on February 6, when the Janajati Yuva Kumbh was successfully held. Over 5,000 janjati youth from various parts of the country participated enthusiastically in the Kumbh. The occasion was graced by distinguished figures, including Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj, the only Mahamandaleshwar of the janjati community, Swami Raghunathbappa Maharaj (Farshiware Baba), Durga Das Uike, the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Satyendra Singh, National President of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, former Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Harsh Chouhan, Padma Shri Chaitram Pawar, and many other dignitaries.
During the opening speech, Harsh Chouhan, former Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, spoke about the significance of this Kumbh Mela and the efforts made to preserve the identity and existence of the janjati community. He emphasised that this grand Kumbh, a symbol of the eternal culture, is essentially a reflection of the awareness of forest culture, which is experienced in this Kumbh Mela.
Various saints and spiritual leaders also guided the youth, stating that just as the janjati community brings its customs, traditions, and culture to the Kumbh, it is necessary for all spiritual leaders to go to the forests repeatedly to experience the sanctity and simplicity of forest life. They emphasised that the Kumbh cannot truly be complete without unity with the forest-dwelling community. The ideas expressed by Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj in Prayagraj formed the core of the messages delivered by the speakers throughout the event.
The primary purpose of the gathering of tribal youth was to unite them and present their struggles and achievements. Prominent young activists such as Lakshmanraj Singh Markam, Jitendra Dhruv, Meena Murmu, Dr. Ram Shankar Uraon, and Arvind Bhil shared their thoughts on this occasion. Madhya Pradesh Government official Lakshman Singh Markam delivered the message of the Youth Kumbh in both Hindi and English, highlighting seven important points for the youth in tribal areas to implement in their lives for social transformation.
Satyendra Singh, National President of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, directly interacted with the youth, urging them to present the knowledge and beliefs of their community through various media. He encouraged the youth to become capable and resilient leaders of society.
Throughout the four-day gathering, the blessings of sants, spiritual leaders, and social activists enriched the event. Their thoughts and discussions will continue to be beneficial to those present, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj honoured senior social workers and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram leaders, especially Chaitram Pawar, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri. Additionally, sixteen young activists working for the tribal cause were honoured with shawls, mementoes, and certificates by distinguished guests.
On the morning of February 7, following the Youth Conference, a grand procession of ten thousand members of the tribal community set out from two different locations toward the sacred confluence. Dressed in their distinctive traditional attire and showcasing their folk art and cultural expressions through dance and slogans, this royal pilgrimage became the centre of attraction as it moved through the streets of Prayagraj. One of these processions covered almost 14 kilometres to reach the confluence. Throughout this grand event, Swami Yatindranand Giri Maharaj walked alongside the tribal groups, boosting their enthusiasm. Sadhus, saints, and devotees working in tribal regions from various parts of the country, along with Swami Aseemanand Ji and all the central office bearers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, participated in the royal bath.
The primary purpose of bathing at the sacred confluence was accompanied by another significant objective—to present before the Kumbh visitors and the world a glimpse of India’s ancient tribal and Sanatan culture. Through this grand procession, people witnessed a collective display of tribal traditions and heritage at the Grand Kumbh.
On the same evening, a tribal cultural program commenced, which continued through February 8 and 9. These programs were jointly organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). A total of 106 folk art groups performed their tribal music, dance, and singing, showcasing the uniqueness of their traditions. These performances were held at four venues—Kailashanand Giri Maharaj Ashram, Uttam Dham, Prajyotishpuram, and Chhattisgarh Bhavan.
Tribal communities from nearly all northeastern states, as well as Andaman and Nicobar, Jammu, Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, presented their artistic expressions. This entire society, deeply rooted in Indian tradition and believers in the five great elements (Panch Mahabhutas), conveyed a message of unity through their native dialects, allowing everyone to experience this cultural bond. After all, thousands of years ago, today’s urban societies had originally emerged from these very forests.
According to the Sanatan tradition, songs in different regional languages—whether the “Donyi Polo” in the Kokna language of the Northeast or references to the sun and moon in Marathi—were all invocations to the five great elements of nature and expressions of gratitude towards them. Despite differences in dialect, the energy and deep emotions expressed through their dance and music embodied the very essence of India’s spirituality and culture.
In such a scenario, there was no need to distinguish between “urban dwellers, rural dwellers, and forest dwellers”—they were all simply Indians.
The heads of various ashrams remained fully present throughout these programs, deeply appreciating the uniqueness of the music and dance performances. They emphasised that this cultural heritage, which is an inseparable part of Indian tradition, must be preserved for future generations. They also stressed that sants and spiritual leaders like themselves must actively work to ensure that these tribal traditions continue to thrive.
The Sant Samagam, held on February 9 and 10, marked the pinnacle of sacred and auspicious moments. This gathering brought together all the saints and sadhus from the Northeast. Dr Krishna Gopal, Sah-Sarkaryavah of the RSS, addressed the assembly, while the main session was graced by the presence of Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale Ji, former Sah-Sarkaryavah Suresh Soni, senior leader of the Vishva Hindu Parishad Dinesh, and Uttar Pradesh government minister Jain.
In the opening remarks, discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts of saints in their respective regions, particularly in addressing issues such as religious conversions and local challenges, along with expectations from the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. A total of 51 sants attended this conference. The moment when Sarkaryavah personally walked up to each sant, showered flowers upon them, and bowed at their feet was an incredibly emotional experience for everyone present in the hall.
Each participant expressed their thoughts, revealing that janjati communities face various forms of external aggression, particularly from Christian and Muslim missionaries. The constitutional and legal rights meant for these indigenous communities have not fully reached them, allowing others to exploit these privileges instead. The need for focused efforts in areas such as forest conservation, environmental sustainability, development, and the displacement caused by such initiatives was also emphasised for the future.
An exemplary model of dedication to the “Tu Main Ek Rakt” (You and I share the same blood) ideal was seen in the contributions of Shri Jalan, the head of Surabhi Sanstha. He ensured that the visiting tribal brethren and other devotees received ample meals as prasad both in the afternoon and evening. This was one of the most challenging tasks of the entire event, but with his support, the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram successfully organised this grand tribal gathering at the Kumbh.
This Kumbh event garnered attention across social media and mainstream media platforms. Many dedicated volunteers conducted live broadcasts to bring this event to their respective communities. The IGNCA also played a significant role in disseminating this cultural spectacle to audiences worldwide through its promotional outreach.
The objective behind organising this grand assembly was fully achieved in every sense.
Swami Avdheshanand Ji Maharaj
All sants and those who understand their responsibility toward janjati culture must frequently visit janjati areas, engage in dialogue, and integrate with the people. They should share meals together, for we are all inseparable parts of the same eternal Sanatan tradition.
Mahamandaleshwar Raghunath Bappa Farshiwale
The janjati community is an integral part of Sanatan Dharma in every aspect, and no one can separate them from it, nor can anyone stay away from them for long. Living in harmony with nature means carrying along its fruits, flowers, and natural resources in our lives. This is an experiential reality, which we can clearly witness through the tribal brothers and sisters who have come to this Kumbh Mela.
Durgadas Ji Uikey
Anti-social forces operating behind the scenes are trying to mislead and change the janjati community through social media. The young people who attended the Youth Conference must take the initiative to counter this. They must resist these forces using their own tools because history stands witness to the fact that whenever the youth take the reins of struggle into their own hands, revolutionary changes follow. Let this gathering send a message that our awakened and determined youth will bring transformation even in the forest regions.
Shri Dattatreya Hosabale
(Sah-Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh)
Despite facing numerous challenges in adverse conditions, the continuous awareness efforts by janjati sants are truly remarkable. The work of sants not only guides janjati society but also introduces the world to the essence of the original Indian Sanatan tradition. Any work undertaken by sants and spiritual leaders, regardless of location, is ultimately the highest form of service to humanity and always aims for the welfare of the world.
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