Mahakumbh has always held a special place in my heart. My journey of soul-searching began in 2013 when I first attended this grand spiritual gathering in Allahabad. That experience not only brought me closer to my roots as a Hindu but also deepened my understanding of Sanatan Dharma as a vast and interconnected family. While the event was awe-inspiring, I also witnessed the immense mismanagement in this massive congregation. Fast forward to 2025, twelve years later, and another Mahakumbh awaited—only this time, much had changed. With Yogi Adityanath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, there was a renewed focus on ensuring seamless facilities for millions of devotees. As the Mahakumbh commenced on January 13, 2025, it was evident that this would be the grandest religious gathering the world had ever seen.
Planning the Pilgrimage with My Parents
A thought lingered in my mind—this could be my parent’s (senior citizen) last opportunity to attend Mahakumbh while they were still physically able. Determined to give them this divine experience, I decided to embark on a pilgrimage with them in our Mahindra Thar. Carefully planning our journey, I chose to visit after February 12, post the fourth holy snan, to avoid overwhelming crowds. Our journey began from my village, Mohad (Kareli) in Madhya Pradesh, spanning a road trip of over 550 kilometers to Prayagraj on February 17. Seeking blessings from my Nana and Nani before departure, we set out with excitement, aiming to reach late at night to rest before taking the sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam early in the morning. As we drove, we encountered thousands of vehicles from southern India, all moving towards the same spiritual destination. During a brief stop, we met devotees from Maharashtra pune, who shared our devotion and aspirations for Mahakumbh 2025. With ‘महाकुंभ यात्रा 2025 (Mahakumbh Yatra 2025)’ displayed on our vehicle, strangers wished us a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage, reinforcing the unity of the Sanatan family.
Spiritual Stops and Unexpected Challenges
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En route, we made an unplanned but spiritually enriching stop at Maihar Sharda Mata Mandir to seek divine blessings. Later, we stopped at a petrol pump where the locals of Satna and Rewa had organized a free bhandara for Mahakumbh-bound devotees—a humbling gesture that showcased the spirit of giving within our community. Crossing into Uttar Pradesh presented fresh challenges; toll gates had long queues, and fuel stations operated on a cash-only basis despite India’s digital payment revolution. As we approached Prayagraj, heavy traffic compelled us to take an alternative village route, guided by Google Maps. However, with countless other devotees relying on the app to navigate the jam-packed roads, the detour only added to our delay. What was meant to be a journey ending by midnight extended into the early morning hours due to police-imposed diversions for crowd management. After 18 hours of continuous travel, utterly exhausted, I finally found respite at my dear friend Alok Gautam’s home in Ada Colony, Naini, deeply grateful for his warm hospitality.
Experiencing the Holy Sangam at Mahakumbh
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After a few hours of rest, we set out for Arail Ghat around 12 noon, parking as close as possible before taking a bike ride for the final stretch. The sight at the ghat was overwhelming—millions of devotees immersed in devotion. However, a stark reality struck me—the VIP culture, where judges, bureaucrats, and politicians received special treatment, seemed contradictory to the fundamental ethos of Mahakumbh, a gathering meant for spiritual equality. Undeterred, we took a boat to the Triveni Sangam, sharing space with fellow devotees from across India. As we neared the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, an unexplainable sense of divine energy surrounded us. The rhythmic chants, fluttering birds, and the endless flow of boats created an ethereal experience. The moment we immersed ourselves in the holy waters, all fatigue vanished. I collected sacred water to bring back home for rituals, deeply moved by the spiritual grandeur of the moment. After spending two more hours at the ghat, absorbing the unmatched vibrancy of the largest gathering on Earth, we returned to Alok’s home for a heartfelt family dinner before beginning our return journey.
Returning Home with a Sense of Fulfillment
Explore the complete collection photos: Mahakumbh 2025: A Soul-Stirring Pilgrimage with My Parents, Captured in Timeless Photographs >>
Our drive back began at midnight, with countless vehicles still heading towards Prayagraj, their headlights forming an endless river of devotion. As dawn approached, we took a brief nap at a roadside dhaba, rejuvenating ourselves before continuing. By 6 AM, we were back on the road, finally reaching our village by noon. Those 48 hours had been an unforgettable rollercoaster—an intense, spiritually fulfilling adventure that brought me closer to my roots. More than just a journey, this Mahakumbh pilgrimage was a testament to faith, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family.
Through winding roads and a restless night, we moved forward, guided by faith. Amidst the chants of a sacred throng, we bathed at the Sangam where millions souls united in a timeless song. The journey tested us, yet our hearts grew stronger, finding solace in the embrace of Mahakumbh, where we truly belong.
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It gave me immense satisfaction that I could take my parents on this once-in-a-lifetime tirth yatra to witness the grandeur of the world’s biggest religious gathering—Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
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