Introduction:
The Ramakrishna Mission organized a camp at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, near Shankaracharya Marg in Sector 19, for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. The camp served as a spiritual center for devotees and seekers during the auspicious period from January 10, 2025, to February 16, 2025. Swami Tattwavidananda Ji Maharaj, Assistant General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math, Howrah, inaugurated the camp on January 11, 2025.
Accommodation and Facilities:
The camp provided boarding and lodging facilities to a diverse group of individuals.
- Delegates: 2511 delegates who participated in spiritual events and activities were accommodated.
- Monks: 408 monks, including 380 from the Order and 28 non-Order monks, were provided with a serene environment for their spiritual practices.
- Volunteers: 50 volunteers contributed to the success of the event.
- Staff: 14 paid staff members ensured the smooth operation of the camp.
- Medical Personnel: The camp also included 10 doctors and 5 paramedical staff, who provided free medical care and support.
The camp aimed to provide a comfortable and enriching experience for all attendees during their spiritual visit and Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan) at Triveni Sangam.
Spiritual Programs:
The camp offered a variety of spiritual programs, including:
- Morning Mangal Aarati: Daily morning Mangal Aarati at 5:30 AM.
- Regular Thakur Puja: Daily worship services at 7:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 8:00 PM.
- Evening Aarati: Daily evening Aarati.
- Spiritual Songs and Bhajans: Devotional music fostering a sense of community.
- Spiritual Discourses: Discourses on Sri Ramcharit Manas by Swami Sukhananda Ji Maharaj and on Srimad Bhagwatam by Swami Guneshananda Ji Maharaj.
Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan):
The Ramakrishna Mission actively participated in the Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan) with Mahanirvani Akhada on special days, taking necessary precautions for the safety and smooth experience of all participants.
- Makar Sankranti Snan: Participation in the first Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan) with Mahanirvani Akhada.
- Mauni Amavsya Snan: Due to a large crowd, participation in the second Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan) was limited to monks, with other members taking the holy bath individually at nearby ghats.
- Basant Panchami Snan: Monks participated in the third Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan) with Mahanirvani Akhada, while devotees took the holy dip individually.
- Maghi Purnima Snan: The fourth special snan was an individual effort by devotees.
The Mission successfully participated in the Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan) and ensured the safety and well-being of devotees.
Book Sales Counter:
A book sale counter was set up to promote spiritual growth through the literature of Thakur, Ma, Swamiji, and other spiritual and Vedanta literature. The counter was well-received by devotees and visitors.
Charitable Activities:
Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Prayagraj, conducted a free medical camp to provide medical aid, offering:
- Consultations by expert doctors.
- Free distribution of essential medicines.
- Comprehensive medical care.
The medical camp treated a total of 12,336 patients during the Mahakumbha Mela 2025.
Relief Activities:
Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Prayagraj, with the help of Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah, distributed 5500 woolen blankets and 5500 woolen jackets to wandering monks, jhaduwalas, safai karmis, beggars, sweepers, and other poor and needy people.
Conclusion:
The Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama camp at Mahakumbha Mela 2025 was highly successful. The Mission’s efforts in providing accommodation, spiritual programs, free medical camps, and relief activities were appreciated by all. The event highlighted the Ramakrishna Mission’s commitment to serving humanity and promoting the values of compassion and selfless service, in line with Swami Vivekananda’s ideal: “Service to man is service to God”. More than 65 crores of devotees attended the Mahakumbha Mela 2025.
