ADVERTISEMENTs
-10”-x-5.jpg)
Magnetic pull of the Mahakumbh
Some visitors come in search of faith, others for academic exploration, and many simply to witness the extraordinary.
For those in search of spiritual insight, the Kumbh Mela is an unparalleled opportunity. / X/@mahakumbh_2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela has drawn thousands of foreign visitors. What precisely compels international travelers—many of whom have no personal ties to Hinduism—to journey across the world for this event? Is it faith, cultural fascination, or something deeper?
Immense scale
It is one thing to hear about a festival that gathers an estimated 400 million people. Still, another to stand amid the sea of devotees, feeling the energy that pulsates through the air.
Foreign visitors are often left in awe at the Mela's sheer magnitude. Nowhere else on earth does humanity converge on such a scale and in such harmony. The sight of millions moving in sync, the endless rows of tents, the devotional chants resonating through the air—this is a world unto itself. For many, witnessing India's unity in diversity is a compelling reason to attend.
While the religious significance of the Maha Kumbh is undeniable, it is also a cultural spectacle like no other. / X/@mahakumbh_2025Indian spirituality
For those in search of spiritual insight, the Kumbh Mela is an unparalleled opportunity. The Ganga Snan, or holy dip, is one of the central rituals of the festival. It is believed that submerging oneself in the sacred waters washes away past sins and liberates the soul. Many foreign visitors, regardless of their own religious beliefs, partake in this tradition, often describing an unexplainable energy coursing through them.
Equally fascinating are the ascetics and mystics who gather here—Naga Sadhus, with their ash-covered bodies, engage in rigorous meditative practices, while philosophers hold discussions on Vedanta and the deeper meaning of existence. For visitors like Yogmata Keiko Aikawa of Japan, who made history as the first non-Indian woman to achieve the revered title of Mahamandaleshwar, the Kumbh Mela is more than just an event; it is a transformative milestone on the spiritual path.
Cultural museum
While the religious significance of the Maha Kumbh is undeniable, it is also a cultural spectacle like no other. The air is filled with the rhythms of traditional music and the colors of folk dance performances. Street performers, artisans, and scholars converge, offering visitors a glimpse into India's artistic and intellectual richness. The festival has successfully promoted India's heritage globally, impressing international guests with its deep-rooted traditions.
High-profile figures, too, have been drawn to this cultural and spiritual confluence. Laurene Powell Jobs, philanthropist and wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, attended the 2025 Mahakumbh. Her visit was part of a broader spiritual journey through India, underscoring how the event has become a beacon for seekers from all walks of life.
Beyond devotion
The Maha Kumbh has become a place where the boundaries between devotion, philosophy, and human curiosity blur. Some visitors come in search of faith, others for academic exploration, and many to witness the extraordinary. Conversations with sadhus, participation in meditative practices, or even just standing by the sacred waters as the sun rises over the Triveni Sangam leave an indelible mark on those who attend.
Whether drawn by religious devotion, cultural fascination, or sheer curiosity, international visitors find themselves changed in unexpected ways. And that, perhaps, is the true magic of the Mahakumbh.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
.png)
.png)
.png)
.JPG)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.png)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login