Every 144 years, the Purna Mahakumbh Mela unfolds as an event of mythic scale—a vast tide of humanity surging towards the sacred, converging in a moment that transcends religion, geography, and even time itself. From 13th January to 26th February 2025, over 650 million people gathered in Prayagraj, making it the largest peaceful congregation in human history on the banks of the Triveni. (A confluence River Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical river Saraswati.
Eminent Photographer and Founder of Aurodhan Art Galleries
Yet, despite its magnitude, the true essence of the Mahakumbh remained a mystery to much of the world—an untouched spiritual epic waiting to be revealed.
Moved by the grandeur and the deeper undercurrents of this sacred confluence, I embarked on a journey not only as a witness but as a messenger of its meaning. From capturing evocative moments on camera to curating exhibitions across continents, this became a personal pilgrimage and offering to the world.
The Essence of the Kumbh: The Inner Journey
The Mahakumbh is not just an external spectacle—it is a symbolic representation of our inner quest for truth, purification, and transcendence. The legend of Amrit, the nectar of immortality, spilled across four sacred sites—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik, creating the very foundation of the Kumbh tradition.
Taking a dip in the Ganga, as millions do during the Kumbh, is more than ritual—it is a metaphor for inner cleansing, for rebirth. This immense gathering is not bound by religion or caste, but by a shared yearning: the soul’s return to the source.
From the Ghat to the Gallery: A Pilgrimage of Art
Having spent nearly 20 days at the Purna Mahakumbh, immersed in the aartis, the flowing humanity, the ascetic Akharas—including the remarkable Kinnar Akhara of transgender sadhus—I returned with photographs and experiences that I felt compelled to share.
The first exhibition was held at Aurodhan Art Gallery in Pondicherry, setting the tone for a global journey. This was followed by a moving display at Prayagraj itself, on Shivratri, inaugurated on the banks of the sacred Saraswati Ghat.
Taking the Spirit Abroad: The Global Exhibitions
With the support of passionate cultural ambassadors, the exhibition traveled abroad:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hosted by the Sutra Foundation and Padma Shri Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, the Indian Cultural Centre was filled to capacity. Mr. B.N. Reddy, the Indian High Commissioner, inaugurated the event. A leading Malaysian newspaper headlined it as “The Great Awakening”, resonating with the exhibition’s theme.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Here, a specially created documentary film based on my time at the Kumbh was screened to an engaged audience. One woman, with tears in her eyes, shared that the film dissolved her long-held loneliness. “So many people together,” she said, “and I didn’t feel alone anymore.”
Bologna, Italy
In the land of vinegar and Ferrari, the exhibition and film found an emotionally charged audience. A discussion followed, where a local artist remarked:
“In the West, as we grow spiritual, we wear more robes. In India, one sheds clothing—as if to shed all desire and ego.”
Normandy, France
At Tapovan, in the Yehudi Menuhin Hall, a fireside chat with Kiran Vyas, who has championed Ayurveda in France for over 50 years, highlighted how the French are now deeply tuned into India—especially its yogic and spiritual traditions. Many expressed that the time for inner transformation is now.
Paris, France
A full house gathered at Adi Shakti, near the Ministry of Culture. Some people had to wait outside due to overflowing attendance, showing the hunger for spiritual storytelling.
Antwerp, Belgium
In the Love to Art Gallery, two days of film screenings and photo exhibitions brought Indian spirituality to Europe’s cultural capital.
A Universal Message of Oneness
The Purna Mahakumbh was more than a religious event. It became a symbol of unity, of openness, of spiritual democracy. No one is excluded—all are welcome in the embrace of the Ganga.
In these five global exhibitions, done with almost individual effort but powerful collective support, we could share that oneness is possible, peace is possible, and that India’s ancient traditions are not just rituals—they are blueprints for a better world.
A Personal Offering
This journey was, and remains, a deeply personal offering—a pilgrimage of the soul through the lens of art. It was not just about showcasing photographs. It was about transmitting a vibration, sharing a reminder that something sacred still breathes in this world.
As the world seeks healing and unity, may this story of the Mahakumbh and the journey it inspired be a guiding flame—a call to return to the river within. The essence of the Purna Mahakumbh is at roots the need of the hour in this chaotic world , a rebirth towards unity and peace, within and without.
