PM Modi has consistently connected the values of the Kumbh, such as unity, inclusivity, and spiritual awakening, with his broader vision of a New India.
The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of humanity anywhere on earth. As Professor Diana L. Eck of Harvard University observes, it is an extraordinary expression of Hindu faith and the deep belief in the purification and renewal of life through sacred waters. This profound reflection captures the spiritual and cultural essence of the Kumbh Mela, a festival that transcends time and boundaries.
With the arrival of Uttarayan in the Hindu Panchang, a new wave of energy permeates the nation, and the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 is poised to continue this grand tradition. The Maha Kumbh is expected to be a global phenomenon, attracting millions of devotees and curious minds alike. The sheer scale of the Maha Kumbh—recognized as the world’s largest peaceful gathering and listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—is a testament to its enduring legacy.
The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to witness a participation that surpasses all previous records. With an estimated budget of Rs 7,500 crore for organizing the event, the Maha Kumbh is not only a spiritual event but also a massive logistical feat. Revenue generation is projected to reach Rs 200,000 crore in just 45 days, underscoring the significant impact the festival has on the economy, tourism, and local businesses. The Kumbh Mela’s ability to unite people across caste, community, and regional lines reaffirms the Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). It is not merely a religious gathering but a profound manifestation of civilizational unity that fosters Samajik Samrasta (social harmony).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in elevating the Kumbh Mela’s significance on the global stage, while reinforcing its role in fostering social cohesion. His personal involvement, commitment to modernizing the event, and emphasis on its universal values have redefined the festival’s narrative. PM Modi’s visit to previous Kumbh Melas, where he took holy dips and honoured sanitation workers (Swachhagrahis), has set a strong precedent. By recognizing the contributions of these unsung heroes, he reinforced the ideals of social justice (Samajik Nyay) and inclusivity, aligning with the transformative vision of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
PM Modi has remarked, “The Kumbh is not just a festival, but a symbol of India’s ancient culture and traditions. It showcases our ability to organize and unite millions in a spirit of peace and harmony.” Under PM Modi’s leadership, the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to be a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. An estimated Rs 7,500 crore investment will enhance infrastructure, including improved roads, sanitation, and transportation facilities. Over 25,000 police personnel and advanced drone surveillance will ensure the safety of millions of visitors. A plastic-free initiative and the continued expansion of the Kumbh mobile app will make the event both eco-friendly and more accessible.
PM Modi referred to the Maha Kumbh as a “Maha Yagya of unity,” emphasizing its importance in fostering social harmony and driving economic empowerment. He highlighted the event’s potential to strengthen local economies by generating employment opportunities for boatmen, shopkeepers, and individuals involved in religious activities. In his “Mann Ki Baat” address, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to use the Maha Kumbh as an opportunity to overcome divisions and eradicate hatred within society, reaffirming the festival’s core message of unity and equality.
PM underscored that the Maha Kumbh stands as a living symbol of India’s rich legacy of faith, spirituality, and culture. He noted that the grand festival consistently represents a divine blend of religion, knowledge, devotion, and art. Referring to a Sanskrit shloka, he explained that taking a holy dip at the Sangam holds the same spiritual significance as visiting countless pilgrimage sites, offering purification from all sins. He remarked that this timeless tradition of faith has endured through the ages, unaffected by the rule of emperors, kingdoms, or even British colonial oppression. He highlighted that the Kumbh is driven not by external forces but by the inner consciousness of humanity. It is this deep spiritual connection, he said, that draws people from all corners of the country to the sacred confluence at Sangam.
PM Modi’s initiatives have led to increased global attention on the Kumbh, positioning it not just as a religious festival, but also as a symbol of India’s soft power and spiritual heritage. The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 will continue to showcase the country’s rich cultural tapestry and its commitment to fostering peace and unity worldwide. Maha Kumbh 2025 will also be another milestone in cleanliness and hygiene practices, reflecting the success of PM Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission. The construction of more than 1.5 lakh toilets for the event and the focus on waste management will set new standards for large-scale public gatherings. PM Modi has emphasized that the cleanliness achieved at Kumbh is a societal transformation where everyone plays a role in maintaining hygiene.
The Kumbh Mela is not just a spiritual gathering but also a case study for large-scale event management. Prestigious institutions like the Harvard School of Public Health and MIT Sloan School of Management have studied its logistics, crowd management, and social impact. Technological innovations such as real-time data systems, AI-based crowd management, and drone surveillance during the Maha Kumbh 2025 will highlight India’s growing capabilities in organizing such massive events.
PM Modi has consistently connected the values of the Kumbh—unity, inclusivity, and spiritual awakening—with his broader vision of a New India. He describes the Kumbh as a “spiritual ecosystem” that aligns ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. His vision of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat positions the Kumbh as a metaphor for national unity and collective progress, celebrating India’s diversity while reinforcing its shared cultural heritage. By promoting and modernizing this ancient tradition, PM Modi has transformed the Kumbh into a global platform to showcase India’s heritage and commitment to inclusivity.
In PM Modi’s words, “The Kumbh is a global festival of faith, where the power of spirituality unites people beyond boundaries.” The Kumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering but a symbol of social cohesion, cultural pride, and spiritual strength. Through his visionary leadership, PM Modi has ensured that this timeless tradition not only thrives in modern India but also resonates on the global stage as a treasure of humanity. The Kumbh Mela 2025 stands as a bridge between the past and the future, uniting millions in the spirit of faith, harmony, and progress.
* Guru Prakash Paswan is National Spokesperson, BJP