This is where human connection, resilience, and the enduring power of tradition are on full display. The juxtaposition of ancient rituals with modern logistics also shows India’s ability to honour its spiritual heritage while embracing innovation.
Standing on the banks of the sacred Sangam, where the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers occurs, I felt a pervading sense of belonging. There was, amidst the clamour of sacred devotion at this scale, an incredible stillness on the banks of the Ganga.
This is the Mahakumbh—a grand spectacle that, for me and millions of others, transcends ritual to embody a deeply communal journey of faith, culture, and personal discovery.
Having emerged from the cool, purifying waters of the Ganga during my snan (bath), my thoughts moved between the serene sanctity of the moment and the extraordinary transformation that lay before me.
In 2025, the Mahakumbh holds a particularly unique significance, as it coincides with a rare celestial alignment of six planets—a planetary parade that happens only once every 144 years. This makes this Mahakumbh a once-in-a-lifetime moment; because now only future generations, a century and a half later, will get to experience this true cosmic confluence. This extraordinary alignment, dictated by the positions of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon, transforms the rivers into sacred sanctuaries, overflowing with spiritual energy. With Jupiter in Aquarius promoting collective growth and wisdom, this window at the Mahakumbh has a powerful focus on spiritual elevation and unity. And so, to be at the Sangam felt like standing at a portal to a new world of opportunities for penance and self-renewal. A vibration moved through the crowds, and the air was alive with the sound of chants and songs, each voice rising and falling like the waves of the river itself.
Covered in sacred ash, the Naga Sadhus stood a few feet away from me. With their striking appearance, they have quickly become emblems of a warrior asceticism that transcends the local landscape. They are unforgettable – emerging from a long-line of guardians that are members of traditional monastic orders known as Akharas. Established centuries ago, these orders uphold unique customs and philosophies that create a sense of identity and brotherhood among Sadhus. Together, the Naga Sadhus and Akharas represent the enduring power of tradition while captivating an increasingly global audience seeking a spiritual centre in today’s constantly shifting world.
While the spiritual aspect is central, the real marvel of this year’s Mahakumbh is how it became a living emblem to the seamless fusion of tradition with modernity. Here, technology and heritage moved in harmony—drones hovered above throngs of people like vigilant cosmic custodians, forming a sophisticated network that ensures our safety, complemented by over 2,750 AI-driven CCTV cameras monitoring the festivities. This year, a dedicated website and mobile app offered real-time updates and information on ghats, temples, and other religious sites, making navigation the feel effortless.
The transformation of Prayagraj into a bustling metropolis of spirituality is realised by the relentless efforts of thousands. Approximately 15,000 dedicated sanitation workers, alongside an army of Ganga Seva volunteers, work tirelessly to maintain the river’s pristineness, separating the offerings we make in devotion. Their commitment ensures that the Ganga remains a pure conduit for our collective aspirations.
The ghats, where rituals take place throughout the day, are cleaner than ever, facilitated by a significant infrastructure upgrade, including the installation of 1.5 lakh toilets and 25,000 dustbins. Walking through the Tent City, I was genuinely impressed by the Yogi Adityanath government’s exceptional infrastructure arrangements for this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela, with over 2,00,000 tents, 3,000 kitchens, and a well-planned network of 1,45,000 restrooms and 99 parking lots, all integrated with pontoon bridges that enhance convenience for millions of pilgrims. This backdrop invites both local and international pilgrims to engage with the event in a safe, healthy environment, becoming an essential part of their spiritual journey. Recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, the Mahakumbh comes to life as a sprawling temporary city of tents and altars stretching across the sands of Prayagraj. It is often regarded as the largest temporary city created and subsequently dismantled in the world. In 2025, Prayagraj expected more than the combined populations of France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Italy – roughly 450 million people – to descend onto its banks between January and February for a period of 45 days; necessitating an operation in logistics and infrastructure management the likes of which the world rarely gets to see. I am in awe at how this vibrant city, pulsing with energy, colours, and culture emerges from the sands of Prayagraj, weaving together millions of stories and experiences for a fleeting moment in time, only to vanish as swiftly as it appeared.
The Mahakumbh is a prime example of India’s philosophy both at a local and international level – framed by PM Narendra Modi as one of “unity in diversity.” At Prayagraj, we reside in a vast, temporary city, plush with the finest offerings from local craftsmen and hospitality providers. These spaces become local economies in their own right, and with an investment of Rs 6,500 crore, the mega event will create countless jobs, and contribute significantly to Uttar Pradesh’s ambition of becoming a one trillion dollar economy. The government is doing everything possible to leverage the Mahakumbh’s momentum towards permanent innovations and improvements to regional infrastructure. By Investing in roads, extensive railway networks, and an upgraded airport, UP is making a bet on its future as a top spot for religious tourism.
The allure of Uttar Pradesh as such a hub is further strengthened by the rise of wellness tourism, offering rejuvenating experiences through India’s rich traditions in Ayurveda and holistic healing practices. This initiative, supported by AYUSH visas for foreign visitors and a range of wellness programs, positions India as a leader in wellness tourism. The Mahakumbh adds another layer to this by providing opportunities for spiritual retreats that integrate these ancient healing traditions, attracting a diverse group of visitors seeking renewal and inner peace.
As the sun rose each day over the ghats, I could also clearly see the commitment to sustainability. This year’s Mahakumbh spotlighted eco-friendly practices, reflective of India’s broader environmental movements such as the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative. The Yogi Adityanath government’s ban on single-use plastics and advanced waste segregation practices are steps in the right direction, and showed a serious commitment to preserving both the natural beauty of the Ganga and the ethos of the Mahakumbh for future generations.
Behind these initiatives is a framework crafted by the UP government to handle the enormous logistical demands of hosting an event of this scale, with preparations in place to accommodate 100 crore (1 billion) visitors this year. If this level of planning and organisation continues, it’s clear that the Mahakumbh could attract even larger crowds in the future.
This is where human connection, resilience, and the enduring power of tradition are on full display. The juxtaposition of ancient rituals with modern logistics also shows India’s ability to honour its spiritual heritage while embracing innovation. With millions participating, each individual contributes to a collective experience that goes beyond personal belief systems, reminding us of our shared humanity. As the Ganga flows, carrying with it our physical offerings, but also the hopes and prayers of countless devotees, I am filled with optimism for what the future holds for India.
Views expressed are personal.
Amitabh Kant is India’s G20 Sherpa. He has driven key reforms and initiatives during his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (2016-2022) and the Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) (2014-2016), Government of India. He has been a key driver of flagship national initiatives such as Startup India, Make in India, Incredible India, Kerala: God’s Own Country and the Aspirational Districts Program.
