Mindfulness and positivity: A perfect Blend for Inner Peace

When we think about mindfulness, it means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily reactions, and learning from our surroundings through our natural lens—our soul. One such event I personally witnessed was the Mahakumbh, which occurs once every 144 years in our country. I was fortunate enough to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, where the three sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—meet. The experience was both unimaginable and amazing. It is said that faith gives us everything, yet we often do not place enough trust in faith. Just imagine—some time ago, we faced a natural calamity, the coronavirus, which distanced us from one another. Despite the scientific advancements that brought the world closer, the pandemic forced us to stay apart to avoid infection. And now, through faith and the incredible strength of belief passed down by our ancestors, we are once again connected—this time through the Mahakumbh. God is great; He has transformed our moments of panic into an opportunity for peace, allowing us to rediscover our inner harmony.

I was amazed to see millions of people visiting the Mahakumbh without worrying about their work, food, holidays, or how far they had to travel—whether on foot, by car, or by bike. They never expected anything from anyone—no snatching, littering, or complaints about others moving ahead or falling behind. Everyone had just one ambition: to take a holy dip in the sacred river. Despite the massive crowd, I saw people smiling and enjoying their pilgrimage. Deep in their unconscious minds, they all carried the belief that they could become better than they were today. As I reflected, I realized that even though the world has changed significantly, with rapid scientific advancements and increasing influence from the Western world, our roots remain strong. They have drawn us back to our reality, reminding us of our rich Indian cultural values and our deep sense of responsibility—fulfilled with immense faith.

Mahakumbh is one of the biggest ritual events ever held in the world. From January 12th until now, more than 50 crore (500 million) people have visited. The event was planned with exceptional professionalism—over 50,000 personnel were appointed for cleanliness, and more than 80,000 police officers were deployed to guide and ensure the safety of visitors. Numerous tents were set up for accommodation, with special arrangements for different groups. Bhandaras (free food services) were organized for underprivileged and low-income individuals so they wouldn’t have to worry about finding food. For the middle-income group, numerous food stalls and eateries were arranged, while VIP visitors had dedicated accommodations and dining arrangements. Special provisions were also made to welcome and care for foreign visitors. A large number of restrooms were installed along the way, ensuring that no one had to wait when nature called. No matter the scale of the event, every detail was meticulously planned. Organizing such a grand event is truly a gigantic task. Just as I am deeply grateful to God for allowing me to take a holy bath, I also feel immense gratitude toward the people who envisioned and executed this extraordinary event.

One of the journalists I met said, "I visited the Kumbh Mela 12 years ago in 2013, and what I see in 2025 is 10,000 times bigger. The willingness of people to witness this event is simply unimaginable." Some may not have faith, may not believe in the existence of God, or may question why such an event takes place every 12 years and what its purpose is. They may wonder about the thought process behind its planning. But I felt that people have simply awakened the roots planted by our ancestors. Their positive attitude toward the entire process and their belief in the strength of the three sacred rivers—flowing naturally, fulfilling their purpose with inner peace—have drawn people toward them.

Millions of people were taking a dip in the holy river, and many were performing ritual pujas in the water. To maintain cleanliness, proper arrangements were made. Boats continuously moved throughout the day to clean the river, ensuring it remained pure. As we say, a small stream flows from the mountains, gradually becoming a river before merging into the sea. A river keeps flowing despite rocks, hurdles, and ups and downs along its path. Similarly, while countless devotees took a dip in the river, washing away negativity from their bodies, continuous efforts were made to maintain cleanliness. At the same time, saints and spiritual gurus, radiating immense positive energy, contributed to a powerful spiritual flow—one that has the potential to transform countless lives. The ripple effect of positivity and inner peace is already spreading across our country.

Like other devotees, I also carried one liter of auspicious jal (holy water) home for my family and friends. Around 50 crore (500 million) people took a holy dip, yet when I brought the jal home, it was still crystal clear and pure. Nature truly holds immense spiritual power. If we estimate that each family consists of four members, then approximately 12 crore (120 million) families carried at least one liter of this sacred jal to their homes. And yet, the rivers continue to flow abundantly, releasing an incredible amount of spiritual energy. It is also believed that when someone passes away, pouring this holy jal into their mouth helps their soul find peace. Imagine how many souls will attain peace as this sacred water reaches countless homes, touching the lives of millions.

Many times, we discuss the numerous castes, religions, and languages in our country. We fight for our rights and debate different rituals. Yet, in this gigantic event, our ancestors have passed down the sacred value of praying for them while taking a holy dip. The Shastras and Vedas teach us that parents are the greatest treasure of life. If we receive their blessings with a pure heart and soul, we can face any challenge with strength and grace. Here, there is no count of religions—only the universal act of praying for our ancestors and respecting our elders. The holy rivers fulfill this divine purpose without comparison or discrimination. Understanding this profound process through the Mahakumbh brings not only inner peace but also a higher level of happiness.

The Mahakumbh is more than just a religious gathering; it is a testament to the spiritual, cultural, and unifying power of faith. Amidst the vast diversity of caste, language, and beliefs, millions come together with a shared purpose—seeking purification, inner peace, and ancestral blessings. The thoughtful planning and execution of this grand event, the unwavering faith of devotees, and the sacred energy of the holy rivers create a ripple effect of positivity that transcends boundaries. In a world driven by material pursuits and scientific advancements, Mahakumbh reconnects us to our roots, reminding us of the strength found in tradition, unity, and divine grace. It is in these sacred waters that we not only cleanse our bodies but also awaken our souls, carrying forward the legacy of faith, respect, and spiritual harmony.