"To go or not to go - That is the question!"

After returning from the Mahakumbh and sharing my stories on social media, I received many questions from friends and acquaintances:

"Is it worth going?"

"What’s there to see?" "What do you even do there?"

"Is it really a once-in-a-lifetime experience?"

"Isn’t it just political propaganda and marketing hype?"

I decided to share my thoughts here — shaped by what I saw, felt and experienced.

Is it worth going?

In my opinion, yes, it’s absolutely worth going.

Even if you’re not religious, don’t believe a dip in the Triveni Sangam can cleanse your sins, dismiss the influence of planetary alignments on human life, or feel anxious at the thought of large crowds — you should still go.

Why? Because the Mahakumbh is much more than a religious event. It is a window into an India you may not have known existed. It’s a chance to witness Indian-ness in its purest form.?

What is there to see or do?

I would say the Mahakumbh is less about what you see or do and more about what you experience.?

I saw groups of people who had travelled for over 20 hours by bus from remote areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, just to take a holy dip in the Sangam. Many couldn’t afford hotels and came prepared to sleep on cold ground under the sky or in makeshift tents. I saw people carrying 15-litre cans of Gangajal to share with their entire communities back home. I could not help but feel amazed at how faith drives and motivates people.?

People were distributing hot meals for free, around the clock. My sister and I had several meals at these places — the warmth, devotion, and insistence with which they served made it impossible to refuse. Our taxi driver shared how locals like him opened their homes to pilgrims, offering shelter at no charge. Witnessing such generosity and kindness on this scale was deeply humbling.

There were little kids dressed as Shiva and Krishna, and were charging 10 rupees for clicking a picture with them. Folk singers from the remotest corners of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana were performing heartfelt songs on makeshift stages, with bicycles and motorbikes as their backdrops. I was amazed by the lyrics that ranged from being deeply spiritual to thought-provoking subjects like female foeticide.

Young people were creating Instagram reels capturing moments amidst the vibrant chaos, blending centuries-old traditions with modern creativity. There are undoubtedly fraudulent or fake sadhus and trying to deceive people for a few bucks. I couldn’t help but be amused by the level of industriousness this reveals.?

Being among thousands of saints and sadhus—many of whom vanish into obscurity, emerging into society only for the Kumbh Mela—is a truly surreal experience. Nearly every religious and spiritual organization from across the country sets up camps here, creating a vibrant and awe-inspiring atmosphere. I was amazed by the sheer number of Gurus, each with a considerable following. In one corner, groups of devotees sit chanting or performing kirtans non-stop, while in another, a 24x7 kitchen serves meals to anyone in need.

Last but not least, viewing all of this through the eyes of the many foreigners present offers an entirely new perspective. We often overlook the familiar and forget to appreciate what is inherently ours.

It’s a fascinating mix of spirituality, enterprise, and devotion - this MahaKumbh.?

Is it really a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

Probably, yes. You might visit other pilgrimages, cultural events, or religious festivals in your lifetime, but something of this scale and magnitude may not happen again.

Yes, there are inconveniences — it’s not a luxury trip. And you will have to be careful. But what you witness will stay with you forever.

"Isn’t it just political propaganda and marketing hype?"

Maybe, it is a personal opinion. But does it matter? To me, it does not.

What I saw and experienced was enough to give me perspectives, inspire me to write, and instil in me a new sense of pride in being an Indian.

P.S: I did deal with the dilemma myself - whether its worth going or not.

If you would like, do read two of my previous posts about what I was feeling before going. and what I felt after returning.

#mahakumbh #kumbh #India