Swami Bhavanand, a Brazilian disciple and Kriya Yoga trainer at the institute, emphasized the deep connection between Kriya Yoga and the Kumbh Mela. “I realized that Kriya Yoga and Kumbh Mela are inseparable. Every year, Guruji organizes a special program during the Mela, and devotees from across the world come together for this unique experience. Now, more and more foreigners are attending each year,” he shared.

Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Swami Bhavanand recalled his first visit to India during the 2007 Ardha Kumbh Mela. “As I entered the camp, I began practicing Kriya Yoga and felt immense peace and joy. Despite traveling extensively and exploring various spiritual practices, I never truly understood the value of a genuine guru until I met Guruji and discovered Kriya Yoga. This practice is a complete science, uniting all spiritualities and religions. Through Kriya Yoga meditation, we can experience the teachings of Lord Krishna: ‘I am present in the heart of all, and all are present in my heart.’ This profound truth became clear to me through this practice,” he explained.

Another devotee, Meera Mata, shared her transformative journey from being a successful professional at Microsoft in Canada to becoming a Kriya Yoga practitioner. “Back in Canada, I had a promising career at Microsoft, yet I felt a deep yearning to discover the truth and understand the purpose of life. That’s when I was introduced to Guruji. I left my job and moved to India, driven by my desire to find God, truth, and the deeper meaning of existence. Guruji’s teachings in Kriya Yoga have answered my search,” she revealed.

The Mahakumbh, a spiritual gathering held every 12 years, is set to commence on January 13 and conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj. Devotees will partake in major bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snan or royal baths, on three auspicious dates: January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

This year’s Mahakumbh is anticipated to attract millions of spiritual seekers and devotees, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. For many, the combination of Kriya Yoga and the spiritually charged atmosphere of the Mela offers an unparalleled path to inner peace and enlightenment.

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“The Maha Kumbh Mela has taken its shape, and the preparations are advancing on a war footing. People are excited, and this auspicious moment comes after 144 years. The country and the world are eager to witness this great gathering,” said CM Yogi during an interview.

Scheduled to be held in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad) from January 13 to February 26, 2025, the Maha Kumbh Mela is set to be one of the largest spiritual and religious gatherings globally. To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, more than 7,000 organizations have already joined the event, and arrangements are being made to set up over 1.5 lakh tents for devotees. Additionally, the authorities are constructing 30 pontoon bridges, with 28 already completed and the remaining two set to be finished in the next few days.

To ensure smooth movement, a temporary ghat of 12 km is being prepared. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has consistently visited Prayagraj to monitor the progress of these preparations, including his most recent visit on Tuesday, which marked his fifth visit to the city this December.

During this visit, CM Yogi also inaugurated the Bio-CNG plant in Naini and toured significant locations such as the Sangam Erawat Ghat, Sangam Noj Ghat, and the newly constructed steel bridge adjacent to the Ganga Setu. Additionally, he held a review meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) Auditorium to oversee the coordination efforts for the mega event.

As part of the safety measures, Uttar Pradesh Police will employ underwater drones to bolster security during the event. The state is also gearing up to showcase India’s vibrant cultural diversity. Over the 45 days of the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh Culture Department will set up 20 small stages across key locations in Prayagraj. These stages will offer an immersive experience of India’s folk arts, with various cultural performances, including traditional dance forms from different states.

The main bathing ceremonies, known as the “Shahi Snan” (royal baths), will take place on significant dates: January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). As the event draws closer, CM Yogi has extended invitations to several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, to attend the grand occasion.

With these extensive preparations, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 promises to be a historic and unforgettable event, attracting visitors from across the world to witness India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

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PM Modi began his visit by performing pooja and darshan at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. He then proceeded to offer prayers at Akshay Vata Vriksh, followed by darshan and pooja at Hanuman Mandir and Saraswati Koop.

In a significant move for the Mahakumbh 2025, the Prime Minister inaugurated several projects aimed at improving infrastructure and providing seamless connectivity in Prayagraj. These include the construction of 10 new Road Over Bridges (RoBs) or flyovers, permanent ghats, and riverfront roads.

In line with his commitment to a clean and pollution-free Ganga, PM Modi also inaugurated projects related to the interception, tapping, diversion, and treatment of minor drains leading into the river. These efforts are intended to ensure zero discharge of untreated water into the Ganga, a vital step in the initiative for a “Swachh and Nirmal Ganga.”

Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated multiple infrastructure projects focused on improving drinking water and power supply systems in the region.

Another key highlight of PM Modi’s visit was the launch of major temple corridors. These include the Bharadwaj Ashram Corridor, Shringverpur Dham Corridor, Akshayvat Corridor, and Hanuman Mandir Corridor, among others. These projects aim to enhance accessibility for devotees and boost spiritual tourism in the region.

In a step towards enhancing the experience for devotees during Mahakumbh 2025, the Prime Minister also launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot. This chatbot will provide information, guidance, and updates on the various events of the Mahakumbh Mela to the millions of devotees expected to attend.

The Maha Kumbh, which is held once every 12 years, is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. The main bathing festivals, known as the “Shahi Snan” (royal baths), will occur on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

As part of the extensive preparations for the Mahakumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Police will integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into their CCTV systems to enhance security and safety for the millions of devotees attending the event. This move was highlighted by Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, ensuring a secure and smooth experience for all participants.

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