Exploring the Rising Property Investment Potential Around Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Key Insights for Investors
The MahaKumbh Mela 2025, a major religious event attracting millions of pilgrims, brings unparalleled growth opportunities for property investment in Uttar Pradesh. With CM Yogi Adityanath’s focus on infrastructure development and economic revitalization, this event has catalyzed real estate growth in the region. Investors looking to capitalize on the rising demand for both commercial and residential properties near the Mela can explore lucrative opportunities in the surrounding areas, ensuring high returns on investment shortly.
Think About It!
Why does a state’s Chief Minister spend so much money? It’s happening at a scale where even scholars from Harvard are coming here to study what exactly happens at the MahaKumbh Mela 2025. Do you know how much money is spent? ₹15,000 crore is being spent on this grand event. It’s wild! It’s wild! Two new terminals have been added to Prayagraj Airport, and four new national highways have been built. Earlier, the ghats used to span only 2 kilometers; now, they cover 12 kilometers.
Around ₹3,000 crore alone has been spent on the Mahakhumb Mela 2025 for installing toilets, making arrangements, and setting up tents—temporary setups. The rest of the money has gone into permanent infrastructure installations. That infrastructure will now remain for the city, boosting its tourism. The projection is that this will create an economy worth ₹2-3 lakh crore for the state. This year, 40 crore people are expected to attend.
People bathe in the same place, but there is no issue with pollution or hygiene because large-scale water purifiers have been installed. Every kilometer, the river is being recharged, so there are no problems on that front. The Kumbh managed by Yogi Adityanath Ji and the one managed by Akhilesh Yadav Ji—what’s the difference? Back when Akhilesh Yadav had 207 MLAs, he assigned the responsibility for the Kumbh to Azam Khan. My sense is that it was for his vote bank. Why would anyone make a non-practicing Hindu lead the event? Today, it is being led by Nath Panthi saints, like Yogi Adityanath.
The budget for that Kumbh was ₹1,000 crore, while this time it is ₹15,000 crore. Earlier, 7 crore people attended, but now 40-50 crore people are expected. What if there were a stampede? The potential loss would be unimaginable. But by God’s grace and Yogi Ji’s management, I don’t think there’s any possibility of a stampede. Everything is being monitored closely.
For someone wondering how much it would cost to visit—there are arrangements for every budget. The government has even set up 25,000 free beds. There’s a saying at the Kumbh that if you get separated, you might never meet again. But there are 2,700 cameras installed, all powered by advanced technology. It took me just five minutes to locate Raj Shamani.
Do you think it’s safe for women to attend? If you haven’t subscribed to our channel yet, please do so now. Your one subscription helps us bring even better and more insightful guests for you. Today’s podcast is all about the Kumbh Mela.
There’s so much hype around the Kumbh Mela, but why does it actually happen? Who should attend? Who shouldn’t? How much does it cost to visit? What impact does it have on the country’s growth? Why are scholars from Harvard and Stanford coming here to study it? What do so many people do in one place? How much money is spent and earned there? As taxpayers, should we support this? What are the economics of the Kumbh Mela?
We’ve discussed all of this: the filtration process, how the infrastructure has been built, how you can visit on a budget or in luxury, and every possible minute detail about the Kumbh Mela. This is Kumbh Mela: One-on-One with Shantanu Gupta Ji. Please watch this till the end because this is one of the most important events, celebrations, and religious festivals of our country.
So, today we’re discussing the Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela is happening at a scale that’s captivating the entire world.
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality. To explain it in simple terms, imagine a grand congregation of millions of people from all walks of life—pilgrims, saints, researchers, and even curious travelers—gathering at specific holy rivers to take a sacred dip, believing it purifies the soul and washes away sins.
The Word “Kumbh”
The word Kumbh means “pot” or “pitcher” in Sanskrit, symbolizing the pot of nectar (Amrit) that plays a central role in its origin story. The logo of the event often depicts this pot. The significance of the pot goes beyond mythology; in Indian rituals, it represents life, purity, and the sacred.
The Mythological Origin
The story of Kumbh Mela originates from the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), a tale from the Vishnu Purana. According to the myth, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean of milk (Samudra) to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrit). They used the Mandara Mountain as the churning rod, the serpent Vasuki as the rope, and Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise (Kurma) to support the mountain.
As the nectar emerged, a fierce battle broke out between the Devas and Asuras over its possession. Lord Vishnu, in the guise of Mohini, a beautiful enchantress, distracted the Asuras and ensured the nectar was distributed among the Devas. During this battle, drops of nectar fell at four locations:
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- Haridwar (Ganga River)
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- Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam: Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati)
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- Ujjain (Shipra River)
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- Nashik (Godavari River)
These places became sacred pilgrimage sites where the Kumbh Mela is held.
Astronomical Significance
Kumbh Mela occurs based on specific planetary alignments. For instance, it happens when Jupiter (Brihaspati) and the Sun occupy certain zodiac signs. These alignments are believed to infuse the rivers with divine properties, making a dip in them especially auspicious.
Cultural and Historical Relevance
From ancient times, the Kumbh Mela has been a hub of knowledge exchange. Saints, sages, and scholars gather to share insights on spiritual practices, yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedic philosophy. This tradition of collective learning and discussion dates back thousands of years. It is said that Adi Shankaracharya and later King Harshavardhan played pivotal roles in organizing and popularizing the event.
The Holy Dip
Taking a dip in the sacred rivers during Kumbh Mela is believed to absolve sins and bestow spiritual blessings. While the mythological connection to Amrit strengthens its significance, many also believe in the spiritual and health benefits of bathing in these rivers during this time.
Why It’s Unique
The Kumbh Mela is not merely a religious festival; it is a cultural phenomenon. Today, it attracts international attention, with researchers, scholars, and curious travelers coming from institutions like Harvard and Stanford to study its spiritual, sociological, and logistical aspects.
From the grand spectacle of millions bathing in unison to the vibrant display of Indian culture, the Kumbh Mela is a remarkable event that transcends religion and showcases the timeless traditions of India. It’s an experience of faith, devotion, and community on an unparalleled scale.
It’s not something you can understand through just one book or one god. At the first level, it’s purely the mythological story that nectar (amrit) was spilled here during Lord Vishnu’s time, so this place holds the essence of that nectar. Then, Adi Shankaracharya transformed it into a center of knowledge, where people could come, listen to discourses, and leave with a particle of knowledge, the essence of learning.
Next, there are the 13 Akharas (monastic orders), their saints, and so many other sages who are performing penance. During the holy bath—what used to be called the “Shahi Snan” but was later renamed “Amrit Snan” (a change dating back to the Mughal period)—the divine essence of these saints also enters the water, and people receive it. Household devotees usually start bathing around 7 or 8 a.m. By that time, the planetary positions and the river’s elements are believed to be in their best form.
Whether it’s the elements, the divinity of the sages that gets infused in the water, the mythological essence of the Amrit Kaal, or the positivity of so many people coming together—all these combine to create an energy you can feel, even if you don’t understand Adi Shankaracharya or the divinity associated with the place.
Of course, hygiene can be a concern due to the sheer number of people, but even that has been addressed by the Yogi government with the installation of water purifiers. When so many people come together with positive energy, the vibrations of the place are transformed. It’s something anyone can understand. If I were to place you in a sorrowful space where people are grieving, versus a supercharged space with positive energy, you would immediately feel the difference.
Even if you’re not fond of temples, if you meditate in a serene space with light music, you’d feel good. Similarly, when so many positive people gather here, they absorb that positive energy and take it back with them. In fact, I see it as a “National Recharge of India.” These 40 crore people will return to their families, neighborhoods, towns, and cities, spreading this positivity and sharing stories. Almost every three to four years, a Kumbh is held somewhere, like the Nasik Kumbh, which will happen in 2026.
In my opinion, this is a beautiful “National Recharge Policy” for India, elevating the national consciousness of the country.
Now, let’s talk about the economics of the Maha Kumbh 2025. After understanding that, I’ll go deeper into various aspects of Kumbh that I’ve heard about.
First, consider why a state’s Chief Minister would spend so much money on an event like this—₹15,000 crores for a 45-day event. That’s almost $2 billion. It may seem excessive initially, but let me explain, and you’ll see why it makes sense.
Let’s start with the expenditure—₹15,000 crores. Where did this money go? First, understand why the money is spent, and then we’ll look at where it went. Both answers are interconnected. The Kumbh was held during Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure in 2013 as well, and it was a grand event with a ₹1,000 crore budget. Back then, ₹1,000 crore was also not a small amount. But now Yogi Adityanath has increased it to ₹15,000 crores—₹7,500 crore from the central government and ₹7,500 crore from the state government.
Here’s the most surprising fact: 80% of this expenditure is on permanent installations. For instance, Prayagraj now has two additional airport terminals, four new national highways, and two new expressways. The ghats have been rebuilt and expanded—from a 2-kilometer stretch earlier to 12 kilometers now. Crowd management principles have been applied to distribute the influx of people. The sewage management system, beautification, and urban infrastructure in Prayagraj have been significantly upgraded.
Prayagraj’s population is currently 30 lakh, but during Kumbh, 40 crore people visit. The government has successfully provided facilities for this massive influx, and this has elevated the city’s infrastructure permanently. So, out of ₹15,000 crores, ₹12,000 crores (80%) have gone toward permanent installations. The remaining ₹3,000 crores were spent on temporary arrangements like toilets, tents, and event-specific logistics.
Even in 2019, during the Ardh Kumbh, there was a ₹4,000–4,500 crore expenditure. Back then, people criticized it as well, but after the event ended, a CII report revealed that the Kumbh generated an economic impact of ₹1–1.25 lakh crores. This calculation isn’t an exaggeration.
Recently, Yogi Adityanath mentioned in an interview about Ayodhya that this is the first Kumbh happening after the construction of the Ram Mandir. This year is also significant because of that.
In a podcast, it was discussed that before the construction of the Ram Temple, around 200,000 people used to visit Ayodhya every year as pilgrims and tourists. Let me explain the difference between pilgrims and tourists. Back then, pilgrims would visit, but this year (2024), how many people have visited? A staggering 16 crore (160 million) people! That’s an enormous leap from 200,000 to 16 crore. If we visualize this on a graph, the gap would be massive.
A study conducted by BHU (Banaras Hindu University) and several other institutions confirms this data. Even a lower-middle-class person visiting Ayodhya spends between ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 from door to door. They come by bus, auto, or rickshaw. They purchase sacred threads (kalava), water, food, sweets for home, idols, scarves, and containers for collecting Ganga water. Each person contributes at least ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 to the economy.
When you calculate this for 16 crore visitors, the amount of money spent is staggering. Additionally, high-end visitors—staying in newly built five-star hotels, taking taxis, and flying in from airports—have contributed to an economy of approximately ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 crore for Ayodhya. Imagine the scale of this economic boom!
For the average visitor, there are still free accommodations, dormitories available for ₹500 to ₹1,000, and luxurious German cottages that cost ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per day. All these accommodations are fully booked. On Mouni Amavasya (a significant day), all 200,000 cottages were completely occupied. This expenditure is fueled by people from Tamil Nadu, California, London, and Delhi.
This influx benefits everyone: a tea seller earns money, a flower seller profits, food vendors—whether serving street food or luxury cuisine—all make money. The flower economy alone in Ayodhya is worth ₹800 crore, and the food economy during a 45-day period is valued at ₹1,700 crore. From street tea sellers to gourmet food establishments, everyone benefits.
It’s all a numbers game, a volume game. This contributes to approximately ₹15,000 crore being generated. The question then arises: where has the money been spent? What infrastructural improvements have been made? Around ₹3,000 crore has been spent on arrangements, while the remaining ₹12,000 crore has been invested in various developments.
Let’s talk about specific examples: In preparation for events like Kumbh, a significant expense goes toward managing the river. The Ganga is a meandering river with changing banks. For example, it takes months to predict where the riverbanks will shift, and temporary iron sheets are laid over kilometers to stabilize the ground for construction and prevent accidents.
Temporary bridges, called pontoon bridges, have been built—there are at least 30 such bridges now. These are iron structures with sheets on top to allow vehicles, autos, and people to cross. Without such measures, it would be impossible to manage the traffic of lakhs of people.
Temporary infrastructure includes not just the bridges but also tents, toilets, and schools. For example, 150,000 temporary toilets have been installed, cleaned by a team of 15,000 workers. Many of these workers are couples who bring their children along. To accommodate them, temporary schools have been established for approximately 25,000 children, showing meticulous attention to detail.
Where ghats were developed, additional temporary ghats have been created using sandbags. Boats have been painted and beautified, and installations have been added at ghats. For women, changing rooms have been provided, ensuring their comfort after bathing. These are small but significant changes. Yogi Adityanath, known for his observations, noticed these issues during his visits over the years, and addressed them systematically.
Infrastructure Developments:
The airport, which earlier had only one weekly flight, now has direct flights from Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Larger terminals have been built, and air traffic control has been upgraded to manage the increased flights.
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, has undergone significant upgrades. As the location of the Uttar Pradesh High Court, Prayagraj is well connected by national highways, state highways, and the upcoming Ganga Expressway. The road infrastructure ensures smooth traffic flow from nearby districts and major hubs like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.
As the population swells during events like Kumbh Mela, urban infrastructure like sewage systems, street lighting, and beautification have been prioritized. The city, which normally has a population of 2 million, sees a temporary increase to 6-7 million during these events, with relatives and visitors flocking in.
The walls of the city have been painted with murals celebrating local icons like Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Mahadevi Verma, and Munshi Premchand, giving Prayagraj a modern yet culturally rooted appearance.
Purification Systems in Maha Kumbh 2025:
This year, approximately 40-45 crore (400-450 million) people are expected to visit the Kumbh. Already, 5 crore (50 million) people have visited during two major bathing days. To manage pollution and hygiene issues, the government has set up large-scale water purifiers along the river every kilometer, ensuring the river remains clean.
The ghats have been extended to 12 kilometers to accommodate the crowd, reducing congestion and improving facilities. Temporary arrangements like parking lots, e-rickshaws, and selfie points have been strategically placed, ensuring smooth operations.
Advanced engineering solutions have been employed, and meticulous planning has ensured the success of these events. Yogi Adityanath’s attention to detail has been instrumental, from addressing hygiene issues to creating permanent infrastructure.
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Economic Impact After Maha Kumbh
A significant infrastructure has been developed. A city hosting such a large number of people—when this festival ends, will the economy collapse?
You’re creating an economy for 40 crore (400 million) people, but when their influx stops after those 45 days, everything will suddenly end. How many people will visit after that?
Look, anything high-octane always generates more money. Whether it’s a concert by Diljit Dosanjh in Delhi or a show by Brandon, the surrounding businesses and vendors make money during that time. But of course, they don’t make that much all the time. You’re absolutely correct about that. However, the infrastructure the city builds during this time elevates Prayagraj’s importance.
In our ancient scriptures, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) has always held significance, with lakhs of people visiting the Sangam every year during the Magh Mela. This recurring phenomenon happens every January, but every six years, it becomes an Ardh Kumbh (half-Kumbh), every twelve years it becomes a full Kumbh, and every 144 years, the grand Maha Kumbh takes place.
During every Magh Mela, lakhs of people naturally come to Prayagraj. That’s part of the city’s heritage. The Kumbh Mela Authority has a permanent office, as lakhs of people visit regularly. Apart from that, Prayagraj is already a big destination. The city features attractions like its museum, Allahabad University, the temple of the reclining Hanuman (Lete Hanuman Mandir), and now many large permanent installations.
For example, there are statues of Maharishi Valmiki and Rishi Bharadwaj, which are a delight to see. There are also digital museums narrating the entire story of the Kumbh. These permanent additions have elevated Prayagraj’s appeal and will naturally attract tourism in the future. Additionally, content creators have played a major role in making Prayagraj famous.
Although the Kumbh’s economic scale will not always persist, the annual Magh Mela still generates approximately 30-40% of the revenue created during the Kumbh. Hotels, for example, will remain occupied year-round. Let me give you a small example: I went to Lucknow at the end of December for a shoot with a large team of 150–200 people.
We couldn’t find a hotel. When I asked my friend, who owns hotels, he explained that 3,000 doctors were in the city for an all-India medical conference. This conference used to happen in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, but this time, they independently chose Lucknow as the venue.
Lucknow has now reached a level where it is a competitive choice alongside cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad. Similarly, Prayagraj will become a preferred destination for events, weddings, and reunions due to its improved infrastructure, including its airport and excellent train connectivity.
Tourism Beyond Pilgrims
See, pilgrims will come no matter what—you can put barriers up, but they will still arrive. Yogi Adityanath often tells his team not to boast about organizing the Kumbh. It belongs to the sadhus (saints), sanyasis, and pilgrims. They will come regardless.
What matters is how well you host them and the experience you offer. Visitors, including children, will leave with lasting impressions, which will make them want to return. Once a city upgrades its infrastructure and becomes a beautiful destination, it will attract more people. For example, someone might revisit with their family, parents, or a larger group for a reunion. The city’s upgraded infrastructure will continue to benefit it long after the Kumbh.
Economic Generation in 45 Days
The total expenditure during the Kumbh is estimated at ₹15,000 crore. However, the revenue it generates for the state is expected to create an economy of ₹2–3 lakh crore. This is a bottom-up economy, meaning it includes everyone—from tea sellers to small vendors.
For instance, 25,000 sanitation workers were employed during the event. Additionally, 10,000 tents were set up, employing thousands of people. Each tent housed organizations like Juna Akhara, Parmarth Niketan, and others. These tents weren’t funded by the government; the organizations set them up with their own donations, while the government provided land, electricity, and sewage facilities.
NGO Contributions
Many NGOs also contributed to the event. For example, one NGO specializing in eye surgeries pledged to perform 5 lakh (500,000) surgeries during the Kumbh, aiming to create a Guinness World Record. Similarly, 8–9 other Guinness World Records are being pursued during the 45-day event.
Payment Trends
Most transactions during the Kumbh are now digital, with people using UPI for tent and hotel bookings. While 20–30% of transactions still involve cash (e.g., for tea), 60–70% go through formal channels. For example, transportation expenses for flights, trains, and buses, as well as formal hotel bookings, are taxable and contribute to the government’s revenue.
The temporary city for the Kumbh was developed as a collaborative effort. For instance, Parmarth Niketan set up its own tent with donations, while the government facilitated infrastructure like power and water supply.
A Long-Term Investment
Events like the Kumbh are not just short-term economic booms. The lasting infrastructure improvements, from highways to sanitation systems, uplift the city’s profile. Prayagraj is transforming into a destination for conferences, weddings, and tourism, competing with cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad. This combination of religious, cultural, and modern infrastructure will continue to generate revenue for years to come.
They have set a target, and they will accomplish it because they know that this much number will come; in fact, they will do even more. So, a lot of NGOs, a lot of self-help groups, a lot of non-profit organizations, and also coming there because so many people are there, it’s an opportunity for service. Wow. Okay, many surprising things happen there at Kumbh, but to see that, I need to…
Travel Guide for Maha Kumbh
Give an estimate if there is a wealthy person and a person who can’t afford it, a poor person, how both can reach, how much it will cost. So, if someone is watching this podcast and they want to go with the least possible expense, how much will it cost? Where do they want to go? They want to go very comfortably, they want to go in luxury, so how should they go?
Look, there are three elements involved in any holiday or travel. First, you will travel there, so how will you travel? You will travel by flight, by train, or by road. These are the three ways to travel to Prayagraj. The first thing is there is an airport in Prayagraj, so many people travel via flight. Is there an airport in Prayagraj, with direct flights or connecting flights? If you think the flight is expensive or not from your place, then there are four airports nearby, meaning within 3-4 hours distance. In Varanasi, it’s a 3-hour drive, in Ayodhya, it’s a 4-hour drive, from Lucknow, it’s a 4-hour drive, and from Delhi, it’s about 7 hours. So, these four airports are there. So, you get five airports through which you can travel. You can take a connecting train from Delhi to Prayag. There are direct or connecting trains, and Vande Bharat trains run from Delhi to Prayagraj. People are even coming on a full circuit, they will stop at Delhi, visit Mathura, then Varanasi, and Ayodhya, as they are nearby, then head to Prayag, and then back. So, you can also do the whole circuit.
Once you reach, now you need to stay and eat, which is the second step in any travel. For staying, from free to infinite costs, every kind of arrangement is available. If you want to stay in the city or in the Mela city, you understand what the city means, right? The old city of Prayagraj and this temporary Mela city, we call it the Mela city. If you want to stay in the city, you can choose traditional places, stay in an Airbnb, home stays, or book a hotel. This is standard, right? You can go to your travel website, IRCTC, or any travel website that promotes Kumbh, because they know business is coming from Kumbh. If you call up any of the top five travel websites, they will have Kumbh-related packages.
Now, once you’ve booked your hotel, if you want to experience the Kumbh, my advice is to stay in the Kumbh Mela area itself. There are around 2 lakh tents, meaning 12 big companies have set up these tents. They can accommodate 6 to 10 lakh people in these tents. The government has set up a website where you can book tents, and there are government-approved companies for these services. These tents have electricity, three meals a day, vegetarian food, heaters, hot water, all the luxury facilities. These are luxury tents, like the ones in Rajasthan. If you have connections with a big ashram or temple, you can find tents from those ashrams. You can ask them, as they have tents. These 10,000 camps are set up by various religious organizations. You can find free arrangements too. The government has made 25,000 free beds, for a single day only, you can stay there, register with your Aadhaar card, and stay for free.
Now, if you stay in one of the expensive tents I mentioned, there are dormitories where you can stay with a group of 10-20 people. The facilities are the same, and you get a bed, cabinet, and locker. So, you can stay in these dormitories, or if you want, you can stay in the luxury tents. Now, once you have your accommodation, let’s talk about food. At Kumbh, you won’t be hungry, there’s so much food being distributed. Every one of the 10,000 camps I mentioned is serving food. There’s always some community kitchen or langar happening. You can get dosa, halwa, curry rice, all vegetarian food is available. So, food won’t be a problem. Then, there’s also the experience aspect. After reaching, you can take a dip in the river, take a bath, and cleanse yourself.
One of my friends once asked, “Can you help me during the bath?” I told him, just stand at the riverbank, take off your clothes, and take a bath. For women, there are changing rooms. Toilets are available, and they are extremely clean. You won’t face any problems. Also, there’s entertainment value as well. You might see celebrities like Jubin Nautiyal singing there, creating a battery of performances.
Religious Entertainment at Maha Kumbh
Religious singers are coming, from Anup Jalota to Jubin Nautiyal, you will see them there. You will see Jaggi Vasudev and Baba Ramdev doing yoga. So, there will be cultural events there. Someone is presenting Mahabharata in Bharatnatyam style, and someone else is presenting Ramayana in Bihu style. So, it’s like a cultural extra, if I can use the word right. Then, the government’s own installations are there, meaning you are wearing AR, VR, and listening to the story of the Kumbh, there is a digital museum, parks are made, and many AI-based things are there. So, there are amazing installations there, and if you want, I will show you one thing as well. Actually, let me show you.
Chatbot by UP Government
We have a chatbot at chat.com up.gov.in. This chatbot is very solid, made by the UP government. It even uses the AI-based system of Ola, and its logo is also there. The translation engine of our Government of India is also used in it. So, India’s indigenous technologies are also used, from the servers to the system. If you go in there, you will get all the must-see attractions. Let me read out some of them for you.
Flag of Nations
Flags of all countries are displayed, and that’s a very popular spot to see. There are beautiful parks and a beautiful digital museum, where the entire Kumbh story is shown through AR and VR. There’s a Marine Drive, just like in Mumbai; here too, there are rivers, and it has been curated very beautifully. On certain special dates, there will be drone shows. 2000 drones, as part of a team from Delhi, will make beautiful formations, and you won’t even realize that so many drones are flying. There will also be water laser shows. You are going there for religious reasons, but you will return mesmerized. So, once you are there, stay there, eat there, and when you feel like you need a bath, just take it.
Minimum & Maximum Expenditure
Now, let’s talk about the total expenses. If a poor person wants to go there, how much would it cost? And, how much can a rich person spend there? Let’s start with the rich person. Suppose you stay for 2 or 3 days, at a cottage that costs about 200k or 100k, which is similar to a hotel room nowadays. So, for 3-4 days, that would be around 200k. If you are flying, you would spend about 1.5 lakh for the flight. So, a couple’s expenses would be about 1 lakh, and if you are going for 3-4 days at a 5-star level. On the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, there are dormitories. So, if you stay for 3 days, the expense for one person could be just 5000. Many leaders and social organizations are running buses to take people to Kumbh for free, and you might hear about it. Some have donated, and they are taking 10,000 people with them. You might have heard that performing a pilgrimage or visiting sacred places gives you merit, but taking people along gives double merit. So, there are a lot of people who take others with them, and they get the entire journey for free. So, there are people who spend very little, but the economy of Kumbh still functions because of the donations. The money isn’t going into their pockets but is being used for the event’s logistics. Got it?
Activities by Devotees at Kumbh
Now, let’s talk about the activities of the devotees at Kumbh. Kumbh is full of surprising things. There are many things that are very famous on social media and raise a lot of questions. For example, many devotees walk backward; why do they do that? Look, in Kumbh, or any other religious place in India, you’ll find people performing different kinds of rituals. Like in Mathura, people do the Parikrama of Govardhan, or in Tirupati, people walk up the stairs. Some people even crawl on their knees to reach the temple, as if they want to increase their devotion and earn more merit. Similarly, walking backward at Kumbh is a personal challenge. Baba Ramdev says that walking backward is great because it helps with your heel pressure. You will see people taking on difficult tasks like this. It’s a personal challenge that people take to challenge themselves and enhance their devotion. You’ll see people crawling, walking on their knees, or even doing something harder like walking on their hands. It’s about pushing their limits.
Sacrifices and Challenges by Sadhus
There are many sadhus who submerge themselves underwater. Some even stay in coffins underwater. Why do they do this? Well, there are two types of sadhus. One type belongs to a particular Akhada (sect), and there are different Akhadas like Vaishnav Akhada, Shaiv Akhada, and others. These sadhus are performing extreme forms of penance to test themselves and go beyond their physical limits. In Kumbh, there are many non-Akhada sadhus like those from Chinmaya Mission, or Baba Ramdev, Jaggi Vasudev, Sadguru, and others, who have their own practices. Sadhus are those who leave all sensory pleasures and focus only on their spiritual journey. You might think it’s strange, but they have a purpose for everything they do. You will see people who do extreme penance to become detached from their bodies and worldly desires.
Snake Worshipping & Tongue Piercing
Now, let’s talk about snake worshipping and tongue piercing. Snake worshipping is normal for us because we consider the serpent Vasuki as sacred. The serpent was instrumental in the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). So, the worship of snakes is a regular practice. Tongue piercing also happens here. People pierce their tongues as part of their devotion, similar to ear piercing or other rituals. This is a sacred tradition, and performing it in these holy places is considered very auspicious.
Significance of Fire Rituals
Let’s talk about fire rituals. In Hinduism, fire has always been an important element. We do many rituals involving fire, like naming ceremonies, wedding rituals, and others. The most significant of them all is the Agni (fire) ritual, which takes place during marriage (the sacred fire in the seven rounds). Even in cremation, we are believed to merge with fire. So, fire is a central element in our rituals. You’ll see many people participating in Yajnas and Agni pujas during Kumbh, and they are believed to have more strength and merit through these fire rituals.
Steve Jobs’ Wife in Prayagraj
Just a few days ago, Steve Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, arrived in Prayagraj and is planning to perform the “Kalpvas” (a strict 45-day ritual) at Kumbh. She is not staying in a luxury tent but in a religious shelter or camp. Kalpvas means living under strict rules, sleeping on the ground, waking up at Brahma Muhurat, taking 3 baths in the Ganges, eating only one kind of food, serving the saints, and keeping away from worldly pleasures. People who do this kind of penance believe that the benefits of doing this are equivalent to performing 100 years of penance. It’s a difficult task, but it brings great strength and spirituality.
Strength will come in those 45 days, Kumbh is such a good yoga that if you do it for 45 days, then that’s like a goal for a lot of people. Its meaning is similar to a full marathon or half marathon. You try doing it for one week, try doing it for one day, two days, or 15 days. What was your original question? Yesterday I was talking about doing pooja, and I told you about its significance.
Significance of Fire
There will be a fire pooja, as I mentioned about the Kalpvas, which I told you about. In that, one part is doing pooja, and serving the fire. See, fire has always had a significant role in our lives. In your name ceremony, there is a hawan (fire ritual). When you start learning your first letters, there is a pooja, and there is fire involved. Your birthdays, various other celebrations, and your marriage also involve fire rituals. Your wedding rounds (pheras) are around fire. When you die, you merge with fire. So, fire is a very important element in our lives. Fire rituals like havan, participating in a yajna, and performing rituals with fire are considered good. So, any natural rituals you perform in Sanatan (Hinduism), you leave behind your 10x power by doing them. That’s why you will see people performing them there.
Employment Generation
Now, regarding employment, the numbers haven’t come yet but they will probably come in some time. Everyone has their own employment, we don’t know about that yet, but a study is being done. Right now, 25 institutions are formally studying it in collaboration with the UP government. Different types of studies are being conducted—some urban, some spiritual, some hygiene, and how urban infrastructure was created. Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, IIT, IIM, and JNU are involved in it. So, you will get a lot of reports on this. Why are these reports coming? It’s a huge thing for them. They are studying how so many people came and how infrastructure was created. They are also studying the psychology of people, conducting surveys, checking government facilities, and their size is very important.
Institutions Studying Maha Kumbh
You see, people are studying it. Like how they will check how infrastructure was created and how people are coming and going. What is the process, how many people are there? The size is a big deal for them. I’ll give you a small example. I once had an event in the US, where 600-700 people came, and Trump had an event, and 2000-3000 people came. Trump is Trump, right? But in my event, 600 people came. For them, size matters. For us, if 2000 people come, the event will be considered a failure. But for them, a big hall with 2000 people is a big deal. Their size and our size are different. For them, if 400 million people come, that’s something big for them. Their population isn’t 400 million. The data they are collecting is huge.
AI and Surveillance at Kumbh
This time, there are around 2700 AI-powered rooms, meaning they will recognize you through AI if you’re there. They have mapped every inch with cameras, and AI recognizes it. So, if I give a photo of someone, like Raj Samani, the AI will know where he is. AI is the backbone of the whole security system.
No One Would Get Lost in Kumbh
If you get lost, you will be tracked. Bollywood shows people getting lost in Kumbh, but that’s a misrepresentation. Bollywood doesn’t do justice to our traditions, like the Mahabharata and other things. They make it seem like there’s chaos, but Kumbh is well organized now. I can compare it with the 2013 Kumbh, which wasn’t managed as well. But now, even though people wander around, they are tracked. The headcount is now tracked through drones. For every area, we know how many people are there.
The headcount is coming through drones, not by any person looking. There are a lakh (100,000) people, 5 lakh (500,000) people, and wherever it seems that there are too many people, we have created a space for 10,000 people. As soon as there are 10,000 or 500 people, a flag alert goes off. The local police are instructed to divert the crowd to another area. This is very smartly managed. And these are the crowd management principles, which were created earlier, but now modern technology is used in a smart way to integrate and use them. This is where the world’s science is integrated to handle the challenges that could come with the crowd.
Crowd Management Strategies
Now, the first step in crowd management is that everyone has to come to the same place, to the ghats, to the Sangam. But Sangam is not a small area, it’s a stretch. However, there are developed ghats, and I can reach those with my car, rickshaw, or horse. The stretch could be from 1 km to 12 km, and that is the fundamental thing. Accessibility has been made at every point. I don’t have to go from one place to another, as every location has its own installation and beauty. For example, near the Valmiki statue, near Rishi Bharadwaj’s statue, and digital shows and water shows are also taking place. The experience is available at every point. The more curious people will visit everywhere, but for the general person, a designated spot will be available with facilities like changing rooms, food stalls, toilets, and tents of saints. The 10,000 camps are distributed, meaning this is the distribution and diversion.
After that, the entire area is mapped by about 3000 CCTV cameras. No square footage is left uncovered. The area is mapped in a way that’s like carpet bombing of the area. The control rooms are receiving the images. It’s delightful to watch these control rooms where each section has clear instructions. They need to watch for crowds, any suspicious activity, or anything that could be concerning. If a crowd is forming, an alert will go off, and the on-ground police (at least 40-50 thousand) will immediately act. In Uttar Pradesh, there are about 4 lakh police, with 50,000 deployed in Prayag right now because 40 crore people have arrived. The field force will then divert the crowd using the protocols already set up.
These officers are very well-trained in crowd management. They know how to use the instructions they receive from the control room. So, this is the second strategy. Now, regarding lost items, if something or someone goes missing, there are phone numbers posted at every place. With so many police officers around, you will find someone. You can call the numbers provided, and using AI, they will recognize your lost item or person and inform you of the spot.
Next is the security issue. In case someone tries sabotage or any terrorist activity, there are NSG (National Security Guard) teams. Just a few days ago, there was a drill by the NSG. The photos from the drill were quite smart. These battalions are stationed in civil clothes with their equipment. Drones are deployed above, and everything is being carefully monitored.
Water drones and underwater drones are deployed to prevent sabotage attempts under the water. Technology is a marvel, and it’s being used to manage and monitor the crowd. There are 25 institutions from all over the world, from Stanford to Harvard, IIT to JNU, all studying various aspects of crowd management.
No Stampede at This Maha Kumbh
The main goal is to minimize the probability of a stampede. Let me explain how. If a stampede occurs, there will certainly be loss. However, with the right technology and crowd management measures, the probability of it happening can be drastically reduced. Every inch of the area is mapped. For example, during the 2013 Kumbh, a stampede occurred at the railway station, and unfortunately, the local government (headed by Akhilesh Yadav) and the central government at that time did not coordinate properly. But today, the current government, under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, is addressing crowd management differently. For example, the stations near Sangam during the special days of the Kumbh are carefully planned. Trains do not stop directly at the station near Sangam; passengers must alight a little farther and take a rickshaw or walk to the designated points, ensuring crowd flow is controlled.
Differences Between the 2025 and 2013 Kumbh
In the 2025 Kumbh, the approach is drastically different compared to 2013. In 2013, under Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership, the management was not as streamlined. Yogi Adityanath’s approach to leadership is more efficient, with better coordination and organization. Back in 2013, Akhilesh Yadav had 207 MLAs and 60 ministers, but they didn’t lead the event as effectively, especially considering the religious and traditional significance of the Kumbh. In contrast, Yogi Adityanath, who has deep knowledge of the Kumbh from his experiences since the age of 22, has taken charge with a hands-on approach, managing large institutions and understanding the scale of operations required.
Leadership and Team Management
Yogi Adityanath leads from the front. His experience in managing large institutions, including hospitals, schools, and spiritual centers, gives him the expertise needed to handle the complexity of such a massive event. His leadership contrasts with Akhilesh Yadav’s approach, where decisions were made without an understanding of the nuances of large-scale religious gatherings. Yogi Adityanath’s leadership has resulted in a more efficient and streamlined Kumbh management system.
Budget and Attendance
The budget for the 2025 Kumbh is 15,000 crores, much higher than the 1,000 crores allocated during Akhilesh Yadav’s time. The number of people attending has also increased from crores to a massive scale. Yogi Adityanath has been able to manage this by implementing smarter crowd management practices, utilizing modern technology, and leveraging his experience from years of managing large institutions.
Changes and Developments in Kumbh Infrastructure (2025)
Now, instead of 4 crore people, 8 crore people are expected to attend the Kumbh. On the day of Makar Sankranti, especially on 29th January, the crowd is expected to be massive, ranging between 40 to 50 crore people. The previously narrow 2-kilometer stretch of the Ghats has now expanded to 12 kilometers. There used to be only 10 to 12 bridges over the river, but now, around 29 to 30 bridges have been constructed. These are artificial bridges, some spanning across hectares of land. The total mapped area has been increased from a few hundred hectares to 3200 hectares.
Transportation Developments
Previously, there were only a couple of railway stations near the Kumbh. Now, there are eight railway stations, and the airport facilities have also been upgraded. Airports that were almost non-existent have been converted into civil airports with multiple terminals. Flights are now available from major cities, even small towns like Moradabad, which now has access to air travel. This effort has ensured that people from all over India can easily access the Kumbh.
Modern Security Management
Security management during the Kumbh has completely transformed. In the past, security was handled using basic police tactics. Now, modern technology such as AI, underwater cameras, and drones are actively being used. The number of security personnel has also increased. Under Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh police had about 3 lakh positions, but under Yogi Adityanath, the force has increased to 5 lakh, with 40,000 to 50,000 officers dedicated specifically to the Kumbh. These personnel are strategically deployed across 25 sectors to ensure meticulous management and control. The system is so detailed that it is essentially a scientific approach to crowd control.
Leadership and Organization
Yogi Adityanath has appointed highly capable officers to manage various aspects of the Kumbh. For example, Vijay Kiran Anand, an officer from Karnataka, is leading the Kumbh management, while Amrit Ji, who studied in the UK, oversees urban development. The Kumbh has a separate administration from the city itself, with distinct district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs) handling both the urban and festival-specific concerns. The team is comprised of the best officers who excel in communication, coordination, and external management.
Innovative Technological Integration
Technology is deeply integrated into the operations. AI is being used to manage queries, while a chatbot developed with 12 language capabilities allows visitors to access information in their preferred language. This feature can be used in different regional languages like Tamil to assist people effectively. The setup requires meticulous planning and preparation to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
Preparation and Authority
Yogi Adityanath has given full authority to the Kumbh Mela administration. The authorities have been working on this for many years, and their efforts have ensured that the Kumbh of 2025 will be one of the most efficiently managed events in history.
Continuous Efforts and Long-Term Planning for Kumbh Mela
The preparations for Kumbh Mela are ongoing, with bodies in place to ensure continuous development. The efforts for infrastructure improvement began years ago, and the government ensured that terminals and facilities would be ready well in advance. As soon as the previous Kumbh Mela concluded, tenders for the next one were immediately started, which requires about 4-5 years of preparation. The Kumbh Mela officers have been camping for over a year now to ensure everything is in place.
Cabinet Meetings in Kumbh
Yogi Adityanath has taken a very hands-on approach in overseeing the Kumbh Mela. He organized cabinet meetings in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), instead of conducting them in Lucknow. He also held such meetings in Ayodhya, emphasizing that every minister should experience the transformation of the region and understand how the infrastructure has been created.
Inter-Ministry Collaboration
Several ministries are involved in the preparations and execution of the Kumbh Mela. Water-related tasks are being managed by the Irrigation and Water Ministry, while urban development is handled by the Urban Ministry. The Transport Ministry has ensured seamless connectivity, with free buses transporting people across regions. The integration of at least 15-20 ministries has made this event possible.
Women’s Safety and Security During the Kumbh
Women’s safety, once a major concern, has significantly improved. Prior to 2017, discussions about women’s safety in Uttar Pradesh were largely negative. However, with the disappearance of notorious criminals like Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmed, organized crime has been almost eradicated. Uttar Pradesh has become a much safer place, and the technological and security systems in place during Kumbh ensure better protection.
Changes in Law and Order
The law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh has drastically improved under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership. There was a time when shootouts and criminal activities were rampant, but today, the police force is well-trained, and crime has reduced significantly. Yogi’s approach is different: he has empowered the police, with full backing for their actions. Officers feel secure in their roles because they know they have the Chief Minister’s support. For example, when officers were concerned about facing criminal retaliation, Yogi encouraged them to act boldly, assuring them that they would be protected and supported.
Yogi Adityanath’s Leadership
Yogi Adityanath’s leadership is characterized by his ability to manage law and order effectively. He has been part of the parliamentary system for 19 years and learned from the likes of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani, and others. His understanding of the issues at the grassroots level has helped him govern Uttar Pradesh in a way that prioritizes safety, development, and order. This contrasts with the leadership styles of past political figures, and his approach has led to significant improvements in law enforcement and crime prevention.
Crime Prevention and Public Safety
While large crowds at the Kumbh Mela naturally bring some elements of petty crime like pickpocketing, the state has developed effective ways to prevent such incidents. The police presence, technological interventions, and overall improvements in security infrastructure ensure that these issues are minimized.
Theft and Pickpocketing Issues
In Uttar Pradesh, the presence of uniformed police officers plays a significant role in preventing crimes. The more officers visible in an area, the lower the probability of crimes occurring. The 40,000 police officers deployed for the Kumbh Mela have multiple roles, including patrolling and maintaining a visible presence. This visibility significantly reduces crime as people feel safer when they see officers standing with equipment like batons, guns, and wireless devices. The approach of sectorizing areas for patrols further helps minimize petty crimes like pickpocketing, reducing their occurrence.
Environmental Concerns and River Pollution
Environmental experts often raise concerns about pollution, particularly with millions of people bathing in the river. The fear is that the river will get dirtier, with people discarding trash, using plastic items, and leaving behind waste. However, the authorities have developed a multi-level approach to manage these concerns. First, the event has been declared plastic-free, making it difficult to find plastic bottles in the Kumbh. Additionally, there are large water stations in every camp, encouraging people to bring their own bottles.
Regarding river pollution, measures have been put in place to prevent water contamination. Guidelines are given to the public on how to bathe and what not to leave in the water. Machines are used to skim flowers and other debris from the river, and large-scale installations are set up along the riverbank to clean the water. These machines operate during the night, ensuring that water remains clean for the participants. The government has made efforts to keep the river clean by filtering out large and small particles and ensuring the river remains relatively clean despite the massive turnout.
Managing the Crowd and Pollution
Although the number of people expected at the Kumbh Mela can seem overwhelming, the authorities are focused on managing the situation rather than restricting access. The goal is to ensure proper management and organization to keep the event smooth. While the scale of the event might seem daunting, lessons from past events, especially in 2019, show that no major issues related to public hygiene or river pollution were reported.
Naga Sadhus and Aghoris
The Naga Sadhus and Aghoris are unique groups of ascetics in Indian culture, often associated with extreme spiritual practices. Naga Sadhus are known for their renunciation of worldly possessions, including clothing, and are often seen in their naked form. They follow a strict lifestyle focused on meditation and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Aghoris, on the other hand, are known for their controversial and unconventional practices, which include rituals that many find shocking, such as meditation on cremation grounds and using human skulls in their ceremonies. Both groups are deeply connected to certain spiritual beliefs in Hinduism, often focusing on achieving higher consciousness through their extreme devotion and practices.
Naga Sadhus and Aghoris at Kumbh Mela
The presence of Naga Sadhus at the Kumbh Mela is one of the most fascinating aspects of this grand spiritual gathering. Naga Sadhus are ascetics who follow a distinct lifestyle and are part of various Hindu sects. These ascetics are known for their rigorous practices and renunciation of worldly possessions. They are often seen with long, matted hair (jata), long nails, and wearing ash (bhusma) on their bodies. Many Naga Sadhus are also seen carrying weapons like tridents (trishul) or drums (damru), making them a unique spectacle. The Nagas’ body practices are so tough that they are not affected by extreme weather conditions.
Interestingly, women Naga Sadhus also exist and follow the same ascetic practices. They are part of the Naga tradition, wearing minimal clothing and living in strict spiritual discipline. The Naga Sadhus are often attached to different Akhadas (religious orders) and form an important part of the Kumbh Mela’s spiritual atmosphere.
In historical references, the Naga Sadhus have been compared to a hidden second army of India, especially during the times of Mughal invasions. Although their role as a military force is no longer needed in modern times, the legacy of their fierce devotion and commitment remains significant. At the Kumbh Mela, they still carry a sense of martial tradition.
The most captivating moment for the public during the Kumbh is the procession called Peshwai (now known as Shahi Chawani Pravesh). This marks the entry of the various Akhadas into their designated camps. During this procession, the head of the Akhada (Mahamanndleshwar) and senior ascetics ride on elephants, horses, or chariots. They are often accompanied by drumming, chanting, and celebratory dances, announcing their arrival and the start of their stay. It’s a declaration of their spiritual authority and presence at the festival.
Aghoris: The Tântrik Ascetics
Aghoris are another intriguing group of ascetics who often operate in the shadows of society. Unlike the Naga Sadhus, Aghoris are associated with the practice of Tantra, an esoteric form of spirituality that involves rituals and practices aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment, sometimes through unconventional or controversial means. Aghoris are commonly seen near cremation grounds, where they perform intense spiritual practices. They believe that by confronting death and using extreme rituals, they can transcend the human condition.
The Aghori philosophy is that all things in the universe are interconnected, and by embracing the most extreme experiences, they can achieve unity with the divine. They use symbols like human skulls in their practices, which can be shocking to the general public. The Aghori path, like the Naga tradition, is a form of intense spiritual practice that seeks liberation through direct experiences.
At Kumbh, you may encounter Aghoris practicing their rituals in secluded areas, close to cremation grounds, and often engaging in discussions on the deeper philosophical aspects of life and spirituality. Both Naga Sadhus and Aghoris contribute to the diversity and richness of the Kumbh Mela, representing different ways to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Akshayavata and its Significance
The Akshayavata holds immense value. It is a tree located within the Akbar Fort. Akbar had great affection for it, so he named it after Allahabad. However, the yogis reclaimed its original name, and today we call it Prayagraj. Within Prayagraj, the Akshayavata exists. We repeatedly mention the Triveni Sangam (the confluence of three rivers), and you must have heard of it. The three rivers are the Ganga, Yamuna, and the third river is the conceptualized Saraswati. With satellite imaging and hydraulic studies, it has been confirmed that Saraswati once flowed through a large part of India. Many ancient civilizations were centered around the Saraswati, but it eventually dried up. The origin of the Saraswati was from Akshayavata. Even now, people visit the Akshayavata through the Akbar Fort. In fact, if there’s anything most important to see, it’s the Akshayavata and the Reclining Hanuman. Normally, you see Lord Hanuman in an upright posture, like in a war pose. But here, Hanuman is depicted reclining, showing a relaxed state. Both the Akshayavata and the Reclining Hanuman are highly revered.
How the Dates of Kumbh Mela Are Decided
You asked a very beautiful question about how the dates are decided. Remember, I told you the mythical story earlier, where the Kumbh or Amrit Kalash (nectar pot) was being fought over between the gods and demons. This battle lasted 12 days, and in our tradition, these 12 days are considered as 12 years.
If we measure this with the positions of the stars, it aligns with the revolution of Jupiter (Brihaspati) around the Sun. The positions of the stars change in various directions, and different Kumbhs occur at different times. The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj occurs when Jupiter enters Aries and the Sun and Moon enter Capricorn. This happens in the month of Magha, around January-February. The Kumbh Mela at Ujjain and Nasik takes place when Jupiter’s position is in Leo, during the Simhastha Kumbh, usually around April-May. Similarly, the Kumbh in Haridwar happens during the month of Chaitra, around March-April, when it’s slightly colder. The Kumbh in Trimbakeshwar (Nasik) occurs in August-September, and the Ujjain Kumbh occurs in Vaisakh, around April.
So, each Kumbh Mela happens at a specific time, and it’s related to the position of the stars. I often wonder how, without any invitation, millions of people gather at such specific dates. Earlier, there was no way to communicate these dates, but people would still gather in large numbers. Now, with modern communication, people know the dates, and they set up their camps. Do you know that the Kumbh doesn’t happen overnight? Akhadas (religious groups) arrive two months earlier to set up their tents. They stay for 45 days, and during this time, the government provides water, electricity, and food supplies. The devotees and volunteers arrive well in advance to prepare. The Mahamandleshwar (head of the Akhada) and the main team enter later, and their procession, known as Chawani Pravesh or Peshwai, happens in the final days.
This whole event is a massive management operation that starts well in advance. The dates are decided based on the alignment of the stars.
Has Kumbh Mela Become a Political Event?
As technology has advanced, one more thing has happened – the Kumbh has become a political event. So, how has the Kumbh Mela evolved from a religious event to politics? In my opinion, this is a political thing, or whatever the current 24/7 politics is, in my view, no event is free from politics. It’s no longer like it was. For instance, Akhilesh Yadav made a comment saying, “So many sadhus are coming, take one sadhu with you, take one of the local sadhus, take Yognath with you.” Then he said, “Why did they divert the river stream? Why did they make it three streams?” He was commenting on the management. Yesterday, he probably took a dip in the Ganges at Haridwar, and people thought he went for the Maha Kumbh dip. But I don’t think he did. In fact, this is my question: will Rahul Gandhi go to Kumbh? Will Akhilesh Yadav go to the Kumbh to take a dip? I don’t think so. Just like he didn’t go to the Ram Mandir until now, even though it takes just two hours to travel from Lucknow to Ayodhya, he hasn’t gone there yet. So, I don’t think he will go to Kumbh either, which is even farther – it takes four hours from Lucknow to reach there. And if he goes, it means he has accepted Yogi Adityanath, which I believe is wrong. In my opinion, through your podcast, I sincerely request Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, and Rahul Gandhi – they are all from Uttar Pradesh – to behave like hosts at this time. Let them behave like a disgruntled uncle at this time.
Look, there are two things – National Security and large events like this. In my opinion, politics should not interfere in this. The last time when it was organized, Yogi Ji had gone, in 2013. He went as a sanyasi, didn’t he? He always goes like that. Yogi Ji always goes as a sanyasi. He is from Assam, and the VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad) also went in 2013. He had to go, right? He was the CM at that time, so he went. I haven’t seen any pictures of him bathing, maybe he didn’t bathe, but as an administrator, he would have gone to handle things. And Yogi Ji had gone – he went on behalf of his ashram because he has been going to Kumbh since he was 22. He has visited multiple Kumbhs. And see, Kumbh has a very significant role in our country’s history. Many of our country’s major events started from there, like the freedom struggle. The big meetings for our freedom struggle – they started at Kumbh, at some Kumbh. In 1906, BHU (Banaras Hindu University) was announced at the Prayagraj Kumbh, and Madan Mohan Malaviya led it. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was declared in the 1964 Haridwar Kumbh. The major speeches and planning for the Ram Mandir, all of that happened at the Kumbh. You must have heard speeches by people like Didi Ma Rithambhara, Deora Baba, Ashok Singhal, Mahanta Vedanath (Yogi Ji’s guru), and so many others. And how beautiful is it that the Ram Mandir has now been constructed, something that started right there. In a way, it has come full circle. Narendra Modi, who led the Ram Mandir movement, was the manager of that movement. Yogi Ji, who was a disciple of Mahanta Vedanath and led most of the committees for Ram Mandir, planned it all at the Kumbh. Today, he is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and the Kumbh is happening again after the Ram Mandir has been constructed. In my opinion, this is not a coincidence; this is a divine connection, I call it Devayog.
So, yes, these things also happen at Kumbh.
Craziest Moment Witnessed in Kumbh Mela
And the funniest thing which is about Kumbh Mela, here some things have been witnessed which are quite crazy. And, I wouldn’t say dangerous, but yes, it is on the verge of danger. What happens is, I do photography festivals every year, I am doing a 10 to 12 photography festival, so all the photographers come, and we took permission from the government that when it’s Brahma Muhurat, the photographers can get into a particular position to directly see the sadhus. So, all of them came with their big guns. A boy came a little later, and they said, “Baba, please come a little to the side.” Baba ji was walking, and thousands of sadhus come. Baba ji was walking, and the boy clicked a photo. But the baba got a little irritated and pushed him, and the camera fell, the little boy was pushed with the camera. He said, “I didn’t come here to give a photo, Baba ji, I came to take a photo.” So, what can we do? We come from our worldly frame, but they go there for their spiritual practices. He gave a “Good, good” post and with a lot of force, he hit him, and the camera fell into the water. It was a very expensive camera, but we had set up a camp nearby, and it got fixed right there. But with those sadhus, you need to talk at their level. They are in a different spiritual realm, while you are a worldly content creator.
Like, I was watching an interview yesterday, and one sadhu was speaking very well. He said, “You are very educated, right? Yes, I am from IT Mumbai, but…” He then said, “How can these people be like us? The ones who wear orange or saffron, these people can’t be intellectually high.” And, in that interview, he said, “I had been with Yog Nath for a long time, but I didn’t know that the bell-ringing baba would eventually lead these people.” So, this is a very interesting aspect. You think someone in an orange dress is not intellectual, but years later, you see they have made a huge impact.
Yesterday, I saw another interview, and the sadhu said, “When did you take sanyas?” He replied, “Since childhood.” Why can’t you take it from childhood? If you want to go to the Olympics, you start practicing as a child, right? If you want to become Tendulkar, you start practicing from childhood. So, the earlier you start, the better you become. This is what our material world prejudices are – our set beliefs. When they interact with the spiritual world, the mismatch becomes quite crazy.
Now, let me tell you a few precautions before going to Maha Kumbh. If you’re coming from Mumbai, Maharashtra, or from the south, it’s very cold. If you’re not used to the cold, make sure you buy a good jacket. The second thing I wanted to mention, let me tell you again, the six bathing dates are: 13th and 14th of Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Muni Amavasya (29th January), Basant Panchami (3rd February), Magh Purnima (12th February), and Mahashivaratri (26th February). Avoid traveling on that day. Look, a lot of people will travel that day, but if you’re a little cautious, try not to travel on that day. There will be more traffic restrictions. You might have to walk half a kilometer with your luggage, or the vehicle may stop at least 2 kilometers away from your camp. So, avoid that day. In fact, people try to avoid one day before and one day after, because so many people come to the city, and they can’t move in one day; it takes them one or two days to get there.
So, avoid traveling on those dates, and also avoid the cold. And, use the website properly, cg.in. Check the chat bot, talk to the police, and gather information. I personally use Google APIs and extra bandwidth. Sometimes there’s a little problem, but since I’m managing events, I talk to my volunteers on the ground. Sometimes a call doesn’t connect, and then it connects in the next try. There are no issues, and the government has set up many Wi-Fi zones, so you’ll get free Wi-Fi there. The password is written somewhere. The system is well-organized. So, that’s a thumbs up.
Closing Thoughts
As we’ve explored the exciting potential of property investments around MahaKhumb 2025, we hope you’re inspired to consider this vibrant opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, this location offers significant growth for both residential and commercial ventures.
For more expert insights on property investment opportunities around MahaKhumb 2025 and other promising locations, be sure to subscribe to our channel. Visit us at PropertyInBharat.com and connect with our team to discover tailored solutions that will help you make informed, profitable real estate decisions.
