New Delhi:
As the world’s largest religious gathering, Maha Kumbh 2025, commenced on Monday, millions flocked to Prayagraj to immerse themselves in the sacred Ganga river. Among the many attendees adding vibrancy to the event was a biker seer.
Visuals captured the seer arriving at the Maha Kumbh tent city aboard a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Another seer, affectionately referred to as ‘Splendor’ Baba, completed a 14-day journey from Gujarat on a three-wheeler motorcycle, as reported by news agency ANI. Meanwhile, Chabhi Wale Baba made his rounds carrying a 20 kg key.
Chhotu Baba, who hasn’t bathed in 32 years, traveled to the tent city from Assam’s Kamakhya Peeth. At 57 years old and standing at just three feet tall, he has become a focal point of interest at the Maha Kumbh Mela. “I am 3 feet 8 inches tall. I am 57 years old. I am thrilled to be here. This is a communal gathering, connecting soul to soul. Your presence brings me joy,” he stated. However, he expressed his decision to abstain from bathing in the Ganga, sharing, “I do not bathe because I have a wish that has remained unfulfilled for the past 32 years. I will not take a dip in the Ganga,” he told PTI.
“Chai Wale Baba,” a former tea vendor turned monk, has spent 40 years offering free coaching to students preparing for civil services. Known as Dinesh Swaroop Brahmachari, he has taken a vow of silence and sustains himself on ten cups of tea a day, assisting students through gestures and WhatsApp messages.
Rabri Baba
One of the seers made his entrance to the Maha Kumbh in a 50-year-old Ambassador car, the sole earthly possession he has retained. Another seer has kept his hand raised for nine years, resulting in nails longer than his fingers. Arriving with a message of reforestation, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Aruna Giri, also known as Environment Baba, joined the tent city.
Environment Baba
The pilgrim group also includes international tourists, absorbing the spiritual ambience at this monumental gathering. Michael, a former US Army soldier turned ascetic now known as ‘Baba Mokshapuri’, recounted his transformative journey. “I was an ordinary individual with a family and career. Upon realizing that nothing is permanent, I sought salvation,” he expressed. Associated with the Juna Akhara, Michael is devoted to promoting Sanatan Dharma.
South Korean YouTubers documenting the festival and Japanese visitors eager to learn about the customs, alongside European pilgrims, were awestruck by the religious festivities. Shiku, a Brazilian yoga enthusiast attending the Maha Kumbh for the first time in search of ‘moksha’, remarked, “India is the spiritual heart of the world. This Maha Kumbh is especially significant as it occurs after 144 years. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. Jai Shri Ram.” For French journalist Melanie, the Maha Kumbh embodies the essence of unexpected excitement.
Michael is a former US Army soldier-turned-ascetic now known as ‘Baba Mokshapuri’.
In an ingenious approach to avoid getting lost amidst the festival crowd, sisters Gita and Lalita from Jharkhand have tied their bangles together with a red ribbon. Within just a few hours of Monday, authorities successfully reunited around 250 individuals with their families.
The Maha Kumbh commenced on Monday with the ‘Pavitra Snan’ on ‘Paush Purnima’ at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers. Over six weeks, from January 13 to February 26, devotees will engage in elaborate rituals, prayers, and religious processions, celebrating a rare celestial event that happens once every 144 years. Significant bathing dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti – First Pavitra Snan), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Pavitra Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Pavitra Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
The Uttar Pradesh government anticipates a turnout of 40-45 crore attendees at the Maha Kumbh, mobilizing extensive resources to ensure a seamless execution of what is arguably the largest faith-based gathering globally.