Unlocking Environmental Change: Lessons from the Maha Kumbh Festival

Every 12 years, millions flock to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. This event centers around the sacred rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—where people seek spiritual renewal. But the Maha Kumbh 2025 offers more than just a spiritual journey; it can inspire a shift towards environmental sustainability and recycling, encouraging attendees to embrace a greener lifestyle when they return home.

With around 450 million visitors expected over 45 days, keeping the event clean is a significant challenge. Yet, this scale presents a perfect chance to promote sustainable behaviors that can last long after the gathering ends.

The 2025 Maha Kumbh aims to blend spiritual purification with sustainable living. A notable event showcasing this vision took place on January 31, where over 1,000 environmental activists from across India gathered in Prayagraj. This initiative, led by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and supported by Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighted the Maha Kumbh’s immense potential to raise environmental awareness.

While the government’s focus on making the Maha Kumbh greener is commendable, real change needs everyone’s involvement. Corporations, NGOs, and the pilgrims themselves play an essential role. For instance, Coca-Cola India, through its Anandana Foundation, is contributing by providing jackets made from recycled materials for sanitation workers and life-jackets for boaters. They’ve also built 1,000 changing rooms for women using recycled plastic waste, each adorned with vibrant art that teaches visitors about waste segregation in an engaging way.

This effort can inspire pilgrims who are open to new ideas. By educating millions about waste management and conservation, the event can spark a long-lasting impact in communities far beyond Prayagraj.

The Uttar Pradesh government is adopting advanced technologies, like sewage treatment plants and drone surveillance, to promote environmental responsibility. However, it’s crucial to maintain these initiatives even after the 45-day event concludes.

Private organizations and grassroots movements also play a vital role in this transformation. Campaigns like “One Plate, One Bag” are encouraging the use of reusable items, helping reduce single-use plastics by distributing cloth bags and promoting steel plates for community meals.

Many innovative practices are being introduced to align the Maha Kumbh with environmental sustainability. Waste management efforts focus on separating biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste. Initiatives like ITC’s “Wellbeing Out of Waste” involve communities in recycling while supporting jobs. Moreover, Tata Power is utilizing solar energy and efficient infrastructure to push for clean energy solutions, showing that positive change is possible.

Preserving our environment is a responsibility we owe to future generations. The Maha Kumbh’s eco-friendly measures, such as bio-toilets and temporary structures made from recyclable materials, highlight how we can all contribute. Simple actions, like using electric buses and supporting sustainable sanitation, can help foster a healthier environment and lift communities.

As government bodies, private sectors, and NGOs work together, they are transforming the Maha Kumbh into a global model for sustainability, beyond just a religious event. At its heart, the Maha Kumbh represents purification—not only of the spirit but of our surroundings. Clean air and water are vital for overall well-being. By embedding sustainability into this ancient tradition, we can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier India, both now and in the future.

The journey to sustainability doesn’t stop with the event. Each of us can participate by using reusable bags, composting, or joining local clean-up efforts. Every little effort counts towards a brighter future. It’s essential that we take inspiration from the Maha Kumbh and turn it into meaningful action, ensuring a cleaner legacy for generations ahead.

This article is authored by Ranganath Tannir, secretary general of Think Change Forum (TCF).

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