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An IIT Graduate, a Harley-Davidson Enthusiast, and Beyond – Firstpost

The Kumbh Mela, renowned as the world’s largest spiritual congregation, has officially commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, attracting devotees from various walks of life keen to partake in this monumental event.

Beyond being a religious observance, it presents a vibrant showcase of the eclectic and intriguing figures who gather here. Among them, several Babas (sages or ascetics) are notable for their unconventional lifestyles and remarkable stories.

From a sadhu arriving on a Harley Davidson to a former IIT graduate embracing asceticism, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a fascinating mix of extraordinary individuals. Let’s delve deeper into some of the most remarkable Babas at this year’s gathering.

Chai-wale Baba

Known as “Chai Wale Baba,” Dinesh Swaroop Brahmachari, once a tea vendor from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, has spent over four decades providing free coaching to civil services aspirants. Impressively, he conducts his classes without uttering a single word and sustains himself solely on tea.

This Baba maintains a vow of silence and relies on ten cups of tea each day, believing that the milk in the tea supplies all necessary nutrients, as reported by ABP News.

An IIT Graduate, a Harley-Davidson Enthusiast, and Beyond – Firstpost
Known as “Chai Wale Baba,” Dinesh Swaroop Brahmachari, a former tea seller, has dedicated over 40 years to offering free coaching to civil services aspirants while maintaining silence and only consuming tea. ANI

The Baba adeptly communicates with his students through non-verbal cues, gestures, and WhatsApp messages.

Rajesh Singh, one of Baba’s pupils, shared how he aided him in preparing for the UPSC exams. “We can message him anytime, and he replies with written notes or gestures. His silence allows him to conserve energy for guiding us,” Singh told India TV.

Once a US Army soldier, now Baba Mokshapuri

Baba Mokshapuri, formerly known as Michael, a US Army veteran, found spirituality on his first trip to India with his family.

During this visit, he was introduced to meditation and yoga, which awakened a spiritual journey that he regards as a divine calling.

“I am no different than anyone else. There was a time when I enjoyed spending time with my family and serving in the Army,” he revealed to News18.

The pivotal moment in his life came following the heartbreaking loss of his son, which drove him toward meditation for peace.

“I came to the realization that nothing lasts forever. I embarked on this endless quest for moksha,” explained the seer, who has closely aligned himself with the Juna Akhara, dedicating his life to the practice and advocacy of Sanatan Dharma.

Some Babas are cruising in style

At the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, some Babas have made memorable entrances with their unique modes of transportation.

One such personality is Ambassador Baba, who has struck a chord among attendees after arriving in his saffron-coloured Ambassador car. A sage from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, he has participated in four Kumbh Melas, traveling in his iconic 1972 Ambassador for nearly three to four decades.

Bavandar Baba. ANI

Another seer, known as ‘Splendor’ Baba, journeyed for 14 days from Gujarat on a three-wheeler motorcycle, covering an impressive distance of one lakh kilometres, as reported by ANI.

He was also seen riding into the tent city of the Maha Kumbh on a Harley Davidson.

IITian Baba

Abhay Singh, known as IITian Baba, has captured the attention of both devotees and social media on the inaugural day of Maha Kumbh.

A former student of IIT Bombay with expertise in aerospace engineering, Singh left behind a promising scientific career to pursue a spiritual path.

“I sought the meaning of life. Even while studying engineering, I enrolled in philosophy courses—Post Modernism, Socrates, Plato—to grasp life’s essence,” he told News18.

“This path has led me to what I consider true knowledge. To understand the mind or mental health, one can pursue it through spirituality.” On how he achieved this stage, Singh remarked, “This is the best stage of my life.”

Rabri Baba

Every morning at the Maha Kumbh, Mahant Devgiri of Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani begins his day by cooking a large kadhai (pot) of milk to prepare creamy sweet Rabri, which he serves to devotees from 8:00 am until late into the night.

Each morning at the Maha Kumbh, Mahant Devgiri prepares a large kadhai of milk for Rabri, served continuously to devotees throughout the day. ANI

This special offering has won the hearts of many attendees. He shared with ANI, “The kadhai is prepared at 8:00 am, but prior to that, I complete my daily rituals, which include bathing, meditation, and prayers. My morning worship stems from a connection with the Supreme Being.”

Environment Baba

Environment Baba, also referred to as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Aruna Giri, captured attention upon his arrival at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

In August 2016, he distributed 27 lakh plants from Vaishno Devi to Kanyakumari and has since encouraged his followers to plant two trees—one for final rites and a Peepal tree for oxygen supply.

“I have conducted 82 rituals so far. Devotees from around 30 countries have pledged to plant over 1 crore trees in our nation. In 2016, during a march from Vaishno Devi to Kanyakumari, we planted trees across 27 states. That’s how devotees started calling me Environment Baba,” he disclosed to ANI.

With contributions from various agencies