Thousands of devotees from South Africa are expected to travel to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, before the event officially concludes on 26 February.
Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Maha Khumb 2025 – Where Spirituality Meets Technical Innovation’ in Johannesburg, Mahesh Kumar, Consul General of India, shared that over 100 visas had already been issued since the event began on 13 January, with many others using their OCI cards for travel.
“Travel agents are also putting together special packages, which is expected to further boost attendance at the Maha Kumbh Mela,” Kumar said.
He described the event as a global phenomenon, highlighting the anticipated participation of 400 million devotees.
Kumar emphasised the inclusive nature of the gathering, stating, "Inclusivity is at the heart of Maha Kumbh Mela. There is no discrimination. Any well-meaning individual can participate, irrespective of one’s background, faith or belief.”
Kumar noted that this year’s event is a confluence of spirituality, history, and modern technology. “This year’s festival leverages cutting-edge technology to ensure safety and enhance the pilgrim experience,” he said, detailing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability initiatives, including eliminating single-use plastics.
Environmental advocate Tseke Nkadimeng, leader of the Save Soil Movement in South Africa, expressed his excitement about attending the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Nkadimeng said, “Many of us Africans who engage in spirituality end up going to India to learn from those people who have traversed that path of those inner dimensions. Kumbh Mela is one example of those.”
Nkadimeng highlighted the rarity of the event, remarking, “The next Maha Khumb like this one is going to happen in 2169, so you have to be there to see what this really means. I’ll be there participating in the activities. I urge everyone to go, if you can.”
Swami Viprananda Maharaj from the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa praised the logistical efforts behind the event.
“Just imagine the planning that is necessary in order to sustain, build, construct, and also dismantle everything after the function is over… An event that can accommodate and host 400 million people. We think of many sporting events, such as the soccer World Cup or the Olympics, as being the biggest global events, but those hardly cater to three or four million people,” he said.
Guru Kirit Bhai Acharya from the Radheshyam Mandir highlighted the spiritual unity fostered by the Maha Kumbh Mela, remarking, “Maha Khumb is ‘sangam’ (confluence), and where there is ‘sangam’, ‘sangram’ (battle) will stop.”
Acharya also lauded the innovative use of technology at the event, saying, “While technology can be used for both negative and positive purposes, at Kumbh Mela, what I have seen is how much it has been put to positive use to improve the pilgrim experience.”
Follow us
