1,200 Devotees from Mumbai Depart for Prayagraj in VHP’s Special Mahakumbh Train
Mumbai: In a noble gesture of spiritual inclusivity, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has organised a special train for over 1,200 devotees from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. The train, which departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on Friday evening, is a part of the VHP’s ongoing effort to make the divine blessings of the Mahakumbh accessible to all sections of society.
This initiative follows the VHP’s previous efforts in 2024, where it sponsored pilgrimages from Mumbai to Ayodhya for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. In keeping with the ideals of Sanatan Dharma, which champions equality and harmony, the VHP aims to ensure that the sacred experience of the Mahakumbh is shared with underprivileged groups. The special train was booked under the Full Tariff Rate (FTR) system, which is typically used for pilgrimage and tourism packages, according to a spokesperson from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The funding for this special trip was made possible through generous donations from various segments of society, all contributing in the spirit of devotion and service.
The Mahakumbh, celebrated at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is the world’s largest spiritual gathering. It holds immense significance in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The Kumbh Mela takes place every 6 to 12 years at four distinct sites: Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nashik. This grand event is recognised by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This year’s Mahakumbh is anticipated to draw 450 million pilgrims, significantly surpassing the 200 million visitors recorded at the 2019 gathering in Prayagraj. The festival, which commenced on January 13, will culminate on February 26, 2025. By facilitating this pilgrimage for disadvantaged devotees, the VHP ensures that the sacred blessings of the Mahakumbh are shared with everyone, reflecting its commitment to equality and spiritual upliftment for all members of society.
