Australia got a glimpse of the spiritual grandeur of Maha Kumbh 2025 at a special event hosted by the Indian High Commission in Canberra, in partnership with the Hindu Council of Australia. Titled “Sacred Waters: Spirit and Scale of Maha Kumbh 2025,” the gathering brought together community leaders, scholars, and diplomats to discuss the cultural and spiritual depth of the world’s largest religious congregation.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, currently underway in Prayagraj, India, draws millions of devotees for ritualistic dips in the sacred rivers. The 2025 edition, running from 13 January to 26 February, has already seen record-breaking participation, with over 500 million pilgrims taking part in the ceremonies. The Uttar Pradesh government has built an extensive temporary city spanning 4,000 hectares, ensuring accommodation, sanitation, and medical facilities for visitors.
In Canberra, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay joined Professor Hemanshu Pota from the University of New South Wales and Dr. Dalbir Ahlawat of Macquarie University to discuss the festival’s historical roots and its continued influence on Indian society. The event served as a cultural bridge between India and Australia, offering the Indian-Australian community an opportunity to connect with their heritage.Maha Kumbh’s scale goes beyond religious devotion. It is an organisational feat, with authorities managing logistics for an influx of people that dwarfs the population of most countries. Discussions at the Canberra event touched on the coordination required to run an event of this magnitude, from security and sanitation to transportation and medical aid.
The evening also featured cultural performances celebrating India’s diverse traditions. Attendees experienced classical music, dance, and exhibits showcasing Maha Kumbh’s visual and spiritual vibrancy.High Commissioner Baglay emphasised the role of cultural exchange in strengthening India-Australia ties. With Indian-Australians forming the second-largest and fastest-growing diaspora, events like these offer a way to maintain strong connections while enriching Australia’s multicultural landscape.
For those keen to witness Maha Kumbh firsthand, the festival continues until 29 February 2025. The experience, whether on the banks of the Ganges or through discussions like Canberra’s “Sacred Waters,” serves as a powerful reminder of traditions that endure across generations and borders.
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