Reclaiming Bharat’s soul: The Maha Kumbh and the awakening of Bharat

Over the past decade, Bharat has witnessed a revival of its cultural, civilisational, and spiritual heritage.

Bharat’s ancient scriptural text, the Vishnu Purana, recounts the epic Samudra Manthan—the churning of the primordial ocean. From its turbulent depths emerged Amrita, the nectar of immortality, a symbol of the eternal yearning within the human soul. This burning desire for liberation and the divine finds its grandest expression in the Maha Kumbh. This year, the Maha Kumbh, a celestial spectacle anticipated to draw a staggering 40 crore devotees—a congregation larger than the combined populations of the United States and Canada—promises to be a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

The Maha Kumbh, which began on 13 January, will continue until 26 February, witnessing a swirling vortex of humanity—a sea of faith—converging on the sacred banks of the Ganges. The pilgrimage is more than a physical journey; it is a quest for immortality and spiritual enlightenment—an endeavour that acknowledges the sacredness embedded in every human being. While the Kumbh Mela has always been a vibrant testament to Bharat’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, many aspects of this legacy were suppressed during Islamic rule and colonial dominance. Post-Independence, a revivalist movement to reclaim our cultural and spiritual heritage was conspicuous by its absence, perhaps due to false notions of secularism and pluralism propagated by left-leaning historians and decision-makers. Consequently, Hindu traditions and festivals in public discourse and institutions were deliberately downplayed, and the cultural practices of the majority were marginalised. A shift began with the change of government in 2014. The past decade has witnessed a resurgence of Bharat’s spiritual and cultural ideals, invigorating the nation with a renewed sense of purpose and a revitalised spirit.

Five years ago, on the eve of the 2019 general elections, I penned an article for India Foundation stating that this election would be a defining moment for Bharat, shaping the nation’s trajectory and vision for the future. Would this ancient, wounded civilisation—colonised and ravaged for over a millennium—reclaim its identity and embrace its rich heritage? After all, Bharat is one of the few civilisations to have withstood the test of time. Or would it deny its true potential, overlooking its profound cultural legacy and ethos? The 2019 elections were not merely about selecting representatives; they symbolised a battle for the very soul of India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning a resounding mandate from the citizens of Bharat for the second time testified to the desire of Bharat’s populace to reclaim their spiritual and cultural heritage.

Cultural nationalism is pivotal in nation-building, fostering shared identities, strengthening unity, and promoting stability. The Meiji Restoration in 19th-century Japan exemplifies this, showcasing how selective Westernisation was strategically combined with a strong emphasis on indigenous cultural heritage to modernise while resisting cultural domination. Similarly, the Romantic movement fuelled German cultural nationalism, culminating in the unification of Germany. In Ireland, the revival of Gaelic language and culture inspired the independence movement, leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922.
Furthermore, cultural nationalism significantly shaped modern China, underpinning Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary agenda and later contributing to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. In contemporary Israel, celebrating Jewish religious and cultural traditions remains central to its national identity. These diverse examples demonstrate how cultural nationalism can serve as a powerful force in shaping national consciousness and driving political movements.

Cultural nationalism is crucial for Bharat, which faces constant internal and external pressures to destabilise the nation. Throughout history, invaders and colonisers have systematically targeted Bharat’s cultural fabric, mainly through the destruction of temples. These temples were not merely places of worship; they served as centres of learning, art, dance, music, and cultural expression. Consequently, restoring and revitalising these sacred spaces is paramount to the very essence of India’s identity.

Adi Shankaracharya’s monumental endeavour in consecrating the Char Dhams—Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and Puri—located in the four corners of the nation exemplifies the profound significance of cultural unity and integrity. During the freedom struggle, cultural nationalism played a pivotal role. Leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M.K. Gandhi, and Rabindranath Tagore championed India’s unique cultural identity, deeply rooted in its ancient traditions, spirituality, and values, to unite the masses against colonial rule. Though dormant for a period after Independence, this movement experienced a resurgence following the 2014 election in which the BJP won a massive majority.
Over the past decade, a significant focus on restoring and refurbishing holy temples has revitalised Bharat’s spiritual and cultural landscape. The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya stands as a landmark achievement. Located at the birthplace of Lord Rama, the Ram Mandir holds immense religious significance for Hindus. Destroyed in the 16th century by Islamic invaders, its reclamation was a centuries-long struggle. Despite gaining Independence, decades of legal battles were necessary to restore this sacred site to the Hindu community. The Ram Mandir was finally inaugurated in January 2023, following a grand prana pratishtha ceremony. This has significantly boosted religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh, attracting over 10 million devotees monthly.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi is another remarkable example. This initiative connects the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, to the ghats along the Ganges River and has dramatically enhanced the visitor experience. Prior to the corridor’s construction, the average daily footfall was approximately 20,000 devotees. Currently, the temple witnesses an impressive influx of 5 to 6 million devotees each month.

A concerted effort to rejuvenate religious tourism has witnessed significant progress across India. In Gujarat, the Somnath Mandir complex has undergone a remarkable transformation with the development of the temple precinct, the addition of a promenade, and the construction of an exhibition centre. In Uttarakhand, the devastating 2013 floods spurred a major reconstruction and redevelopment project in Rudraprayag district, particularly focusing on Kedarnath. The ambitious Char Dham project, aiming to provide all-weather connectivity to the holy towns of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is also progressing steadily, encompassing 900 kilometres of national highway construction across the state.

Furthermore, the revocation of Article 370 has facilitated the renovation of several temples in Kashmir that were desecrated by Islamist mobs. Internationally, the construction of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone, while a multi-million-dollar revamp of the 200-year-old Shreenathji Temple in Bahrain is currently underway. The opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the Shri Mahakaal Lok Corridor in Ujjain has significantly boosted religious tourism and revitalised India’s spiritual heritage. These endeavours have contributed to the global recognition of India’s ancient wisdom, with the Vedas, Upanishads, Sutras, epics, and other scriptures gaining increasing acclaim as invaluable treasures of spiritual knowledge.

Bharat’s unity is culturally rooted in the centuries-long tradition of saints and scholars traversing the nation, fostering cultural exchange and enriching diverse regional traditions. A prime example is the fusion of Tamil and Kashi cultures, celebrated annually through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a month-long festival initiated in 2022. This vibrant celebration showcases India’s remarkable cultural diversity while highlighting the harmonious coexistence of various traditions. It is a powerful testament to the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.”

The spread of Yoga worldwide is also a significant contribution of the Modi-led government. Once overlooked even within Bharat before 2014, yoga has now gained widespread international recognition and practice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first proposed the idea of Yoga Day on September 27, 2014, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, where a resolution to establish June 21 as International Yoga Day was introduced. The choice of June 21, the Summer Solstice, is significant as it marks the longest day of the year, symbolising light and energy.

Over the past decade, Bharat has witnessed a revival of its cultural, civilisational, and spiritual heritage. This resurgence has instilled in Bharatiyas a renewed sense of patriotism, social awareness, and a collective drive to build a progressive Bharat. A nation cannot aspire to global leadership if it neglects its cultural and civilisational roots. By embracing these values, Bharat is undergoing a cultural renaissance that promises a bright future. Maha Kumbh 2025 symbolises this awakening, embodying the nation’s rich traditions and renewed spirit.

* Maj Gen Dhruv C. Katoch is an Army Veteran. Presently, he is Director, India Foundation.