As the auspicious Maha Kumbh Mela begins in Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), drawing 16.5 million pilgrims to bathe in the holy river of Ganga, India also witnesses its ‘living bridge’ being honoured at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
PBD saw over 6000 NRIs from 75 countries, celebrating the impact of the Indian diaspora in enhancing both their host nations and India's growth.
Adding to the country's vibrant celebrations, the historic Maha Kumbh Mela has also begun, drawing millions of Hindu devotees to the banks of the Ganga for the world’s largest religious gathering.
Over 400 million people, the largest crowd in its history, are expected to attend this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The 45-day festival will see devotees bathe at the confluence of Hinduism's three holiest rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
The Kumbh Mela is held every three years in various holy cities, but the Maha Kumbh Mela, occurring once every 12 years, is the most auspicious and draws the largest number of devotees. This year's event also marks the completion of 12 Kumbh cycles over 144 years.
The origin of the Kumbh Mela is debated, but Hindu tradition links it to the Samudra Manthan legend, where Lord Vishnu spilled drops of the elixir of immortality from his kumbh (urn) at four sacred sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
Millions of devotees from around the world gather at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip, believing it cleanses sins and leads to salvation (moksha). In 2017, UNESCO recognised Kumbh Mela as an intangible cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the start of the Maha Kumbh a "special day" for millions who value Indian culture and values. In X (Formerly known as Twitter), he tweeted, "Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj brings together people in a sacred confluence of faith and culture, celebrating India's spiritual heritage." He also expressed joy seeing Prayagraj bustling with pilgrims and wished them a wonderful stay.
Preparations done by the officials
Authorities have established a new tent city covering 4,000 hectares along the rivers, with over 160,000 tents, 3,000 kitchens, 145,000 restrooms, and 100 car parks. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of new electricity connections have been set up, as the festival is expected to consume as much power as 100,000 urban apartments over a month.
Nearly 100 special trains have been added to transport visitors, with 3,300 trips planned during the festival. Over 40,000 state police personnel, along with drones and AI-driven cybercrime experts, will ensure security. About 3800 water personnel are also present. To prevent pilgrims from getting lost, each will receive a radio frequency wristband. Thousands of underwater and aerial drones will monitor movement, while a light show featuring 2,000 drones will illuminate the skies with Hindu mythology.
The festival poses a major logistical challenge for authorities managing the movement of millions. Stampedes have occurred in the past, including a tragic incident at the 2013 Maha Kumbh Mela, where 26 pilgrims lost their lives.
Celebrities expected at spiritual gathering
American billionaire and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs, visited the ashram of her guru, Swami Kailashnand Giri, in Prayagraj. She stayed until January 15 before heading back to the US for the swearing-in ceremony of UP President-elect Donald Trump. Accompanied by her 40-member team, Powell Jobs, known as 'Kamla' by her guru, took part in the first Amrit Snan on January 14, alongside Swami Vyasanand Giri, who was recently named Mahamandaleshwar.
Hollywood stars Richard Gere and David Lynch have attended the largest spiritual event, with reports suggesting that several prominent Bollywood figures are also planning to join.
Mauritius Minister of Arts and Culture, Mahendra Gondeea, visited Uttar Pradesh and offered prayers at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. However, he was unable to attend the Maha Kumbh due to urgent commitments in Mauritius.
Serene visit to Triveni Sangam before Mahakumbh
Asian Voice spoke to Alkananda Mohapatra, a Business Analyst and Change Consultant based in London, who visited the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj before the Mahakumbh preparations. She described the atmosphere as surreal, with the locals treating visitors as revered guests, in line with the Indian culture of "Atithi Devo Bhava." She said, “The atmosphere was surreal, filled with enthusiasm as construction work was underway, and police and army personnel prepared with horses, camels, and more.”
She recalled taking a boat ride towards the Triveni point, where the three rivers are believed to meet. As the boat moved deeper into the Yamuna, she observed the river's blackish water, which is linked to the mythological association with Yama and Saturn. Reaching the Sangam point, where the Ganga joins the Yamuna, visitors could walk and bathe in the shallower waters. Further along, the water became clear and deep again. Alkananda also shared a delightful moment when seagulls swooped in for sev snacks as the sailors called out "Ram Pyari" (migratory seagulls)
Alkananda explained what drew her to visit Triveni Sangam, saying, “I had already planned a trip with my parents to Sangam, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Varanasi. Since my mom has had some mobility issues due to arthritis, we decided to visit before the crowds arrived. We found boat rides for 7,000 Rs, a fraction of the 30,000 Rs prices during Kumbh. Plus, I wanted to avoid the risk of getting lost in the crowd, as the old Hindi saying goes, ‘Kumbh Mele mein bichadna.’”
Reflecting on her visit, Alkananda shared, “I was captivated by the sense of freedom and joy that everyone radiated. Even the kids, painted as Shiv and Parvati, were giggling throughout. The boat sailors mentioned that taking pilgrims to the Sangam is a generational job for them, and they eagerly wait for the migratory birds, Ram Pyari, the Siberian seagulls, to arrive.”
Global Indian contributions at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas kicked off in Bhubaneswar with around 6,000 NRIs, including business leaders, academics, and economists, from 75 countries. The theme of the 2025 convention was ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.’ Prime Minister Modi also launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, offering diaspora members the chance to visit spiritual and cultural sites across India. Three plenary sessions taken place during the convention.
At the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed the diaspora visiting India during the festive season, noting the significance of events like Mahakumbh, Lodi, Pongal, and Magh Bihu. He emphasised that this occasion also marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915. Highlighting India’s global influence, Modi asserted that India’s message of peace, rooted in its heritage, is crucial for the future. He regarded the diaspora as ambassadors who represent India abroad and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them in times of crisis. He also stressed the importance of equipping Indian youth with skills before they go abroad.
Mayor of Gerrards Cross, Prerna Bhardwaj, attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha. Speaking to Asian Voice, she said, "It was a fantastic experience exploring Odisha for the first time. I was amazed by the historic temples, delicious local cuisine, and the warmth of the people. The event was well-organised, and I enjoyed connecting with ministers, accomplished global Indians, and inspirational speakers."
Reflecting on impactful encounters, Prerna shared, “It was an honor to hear Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praise the contributions of overseas Indians, and a privilege to interact with Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar about how we can support India’s development. However, the most impactful meeting was with Kamya Buch, a young girl from Manchester who left modern life to live in Kashi as a spiritual guide. Her deep knowledge of Hindu scriptures and dedication to helping others on their spiritual journey was truly inspiring.”
Prerna highlighted the significant contributions of global Indians, both economically and culturally, noting the diversity of attendees at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, including industrialists and those who have established cultural hubs and temples abroad. She said, “In his speech, the Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora as cultural ambassadors, strengthening India’s global reputation. “Wherever Indians go, they integrate with local societies, contribute to their prosperity, and yet remain deeply connected to Bharat.” Despite the vast contribution Pravasi’s make to their country of residence, they do assist in the development of India. In response to my question, Dr Jaishankar stated that we can start small and if we have an idea, to contact the relevant department who will assist in enacting it. I am hopeful that many overseas Indians will take this up and I hope in some way to be able to contribute too, whether in my capacity as Mayor and Councillor or otherwise.”
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Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar recognised for political contributions
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas highlighted women’s leadership, entrepreneurial success, and the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening global connections. During the plenary session "Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti," chaired by Dr S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister discussed the Indian government's initiatives aimed at empowering women and advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
From the UK, Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar CBE was honoured for her exceptional contributions to politics. Born in Kenya, she moved to Yorkshire with her father, Naurhia Lal Prashar, and family in the 1960s. Since the 1970s, she has held leadership roles as director and chair of numerous public and private sector organisations. In April 2006, she became the first chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career.
