When I reflect on my visit to the Maha Kumbh, the word that immediately comes to mind is Miraculous. The series of moments that not only left me with the power of spirituality, but also with human kindness, and divine guidance. Let me share you a short story as Rakesh Taurani, President of Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic, entrepreneur living in Slovakia, Indian Citizen having two homes - India and Slovakia

My journey began without any specific or detailed plan. I set out with the simple intention of a holy dip at the Sangam, eager to absorb the energy of the occasion and perhaps receive blessings from the revered saints. Since it was my first Kumbh, I was excited about the spiritual atmosphere. But what I soon realized through this experience is that when we leave things to God, His plans are always much bigger and better than anything we could ever imagine or plan ourselves.

A Journey Filled with Positivity

I boarded the Vande Bharat Train from New Delhi to Prayagraj, and right from the start, I sensed a wave of positivity around me. Onboard, I met a group of French tourists dressed in traditional Indian attire or rather in Santani attire. Their enthusiasm for the Sanatan way of life was felt by all the other passengers as they conversed with fellow passengers in Hindi, expressing deep admiration for the culture. When I asked them how long they planned to stay in Prayagraj. Their response was simple: "We don’t know. We’d love to stay longer, even after the Maha Kumbh ends." Despite the train being delayed by over an hour, the passengers were remarkably calm and unbothered, maybe it was collective peaceful energy around us.

Welcoming Hospitality

Upon reaching Prayagraj, the energy of the city was unlike anything I had felt before. The streets were crowded, and the traffic was overwhelming at 11 PM. As I struggled to book a cab, a stranger approached and offered his assistance. When I told him I was heading to the Bharat Scouts and Guides camp, he kindly gave me a ride on his bike. This was just the beginning of the warm hospitality I would encounter.
At the camp, Mr. Kamlesh Diwedi greeted me with a bright smile and reassuring words: "Aap Baba Ke Ashirwad Se Hi Aaye Hai, Aap Nischint ho Jaiye." (You are here by Lord Shiva’s will, and he will take care of everything.) These words turned out to be true, as everything unfolded smoothly from that moment onward.

Spiritual Immersion at the Sangam

The next morning, I went to the ghats for the holy dip. A group of pilgrims heading towards boats invited me to join them for a dip at the Sangam rather than a side ghat. Who could resist such an offer? We spent nearly two hours at the Sangam Point, where the boatmen were in no rush to return, prioritizing our spiritual experience over profit.
After the dip, I returned to the Bharat Scouts and Guides camp, where I was warmly welcomed with a hot cup of tea and a delicious lunch. The best part? Both the management and the students ate the same food, reflecting a spirit of unity and equality.

A Journey of Spiritual and Human Connection

I spent the rest of the day visiting nearby exhibitions and attending Satsang and Bhajan Singing at various Akhada’s (saints’ stands). The evening always concluded with a beautiful aarti ceremony, followed by an announcement that prasad (food) is ready for all the devotees. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the generosity and communal spirit that permeated of all the events, no one really cared or asked who are you and from where are you, all were treated like children of God.

Arrangements and Hospitality

The arrangements at the Kumbh were far beyond my expectations, both in terms of infrastructure and security. What truly stood out was the politeness of the police officers. For the first time in my life, I encountered law enforcement that was not only polite but genuinely helpful. They guided people, offered assistance, and respectfully asked everyone to keep moving and not block the roads. It was clear that they were not merely doing their duty, but embracing it with sincerity and care.

Overall, I don’t know if words can really do justice to my Maha Kumbh visit but if I only way I can describe it by saying it was Miraculous. From the divine blessings I felt to the generosity and warmth of the people I met along the way; it was an unforgettable journey. The Kumbh proved to be much more than just a religious gathering; it was a reminder of the profound sense of unity, spirituality, and service that exists in our world.

Rakesh Taurani, February 4, 2025