Opinion | The Revival Of Sanatan Dharma: Reflection On The 2025 Mahakumbh
The massive turnout at the Mahakumbh reflects a renewed faith in our scriptures, culture, ethos, and traditions—rooted in an understanding of their scientific credibility
In recent times, there has been much debate and discussion about the detachment from dharma among the youth of all religions. As education reaches all strata of society, people appear more rational and logical about their belief systems. We have seen Europe and America becoming increasingly atheist or drawn to belief systems other than Christianity. Churches are being abandoned, with many in Europe being converted into mandirs. In the Middle East, India, and the Far East, Muslim-majority countries are witnessing a wave of ex-Muslims leaving their traditional faiths due to perceived unscientific teachings and illogical reasoning.
Science-educated youth find it difficult to accept religious doctrines that do not align with scientific reasoning. The contradictions within religious texts are particularly evident in Abrahamic traditions. For example, female and male circumcision can be cruel and, in some cases, fatal. Similarly, the belief that planets revolve against the Sun is scientifically inaccurate. Many Abrahamic texts contain outdated information that critics argue should be revised.
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In India, we have experienced over 1,000 years of Islamic and Christian rule. These rulers were oppressive, both financially and religiously. They plundered wealth, destroyed mandirs and other structures, and either renamed or modified them to align with their ideology and religious practices. This remains a point of contention with Muslims in a predominantly Hindu country, which was divided into three pieces in the name of Islam in 1947.
However, the greater damage to India occurred in the post-independence period, when the education system was taken over by individuals opposed to the fundamental ethos of Sanatan Dharma. Sanatan Dharma was distorted and misrepresented to Hindus through textbooks written by non-Sanskrit scholars with biased perspectives. Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Manusmriti, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, were misinterpreted, leading to widespread confusion. As a result, many Hindus have developed a sense of disillusionment with their own belief system and way of life.
In 2025, a grand Mahakumbh was celebrated for over 45 days at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Triveni Ghat. Over 65 crore Hindus from across the world took a dip in the pavitra waters of Triveni. The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj was a spectacular event, drawing more than 66 crore devotees from around the world. Held once every 144 years, it is considered one of the largest human congregations on Earth.
One of the most striking aspects of this Mahakumbh was the participation of the youth—over 60 per cent of the devotees were under the age of 30. Is this a resurgence of Sanatan Dharma? Or is it the influence of an unapologetically Hindu leadership at the Centre, coupled with Yogi Adityanath as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh—both of whom actively promote India’s ancient and rich cultural heritage? Or perhaps it is the impact of social media, which has helped demystify the essence and scientific underpinnings of Sanatan Dharma? Arguably, both factors have played a role.
Today’s youth are increasingly aware of astronomy and its scientific principles. They recognise the cosmic phenomena that shape our universe and are beginning to appreciate the scientific foundations of Sanatan Vaidic Dharma, which modern science continues to validate. The massive turnout at the Mahakumbh reflects a renewed faith in our scriptures, culture, ethos, and traditions—rooted in an understanding of their scientific credibility. Social media has emerged as a boon for Sanatan Dharma, while posing challenges for Abrahamic religions, which struggle to scientifically justify their belief systems. Their youth, increasingly rational and inquisitive, are less willing to accept doctrines that lack logical substantiation.
The Mahakumbh melas have historically served multiple purposes. Foremost among them was the distribution of wealth. People from across the country would gather at a designated place, spending on travel, accommodation, food, and other essentials, thereby benefiting the local economy. Another key purpose was the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge, ensuring its spread among the masses in a uniform manner. This played a crucial role in shaping Bharat’s shared traditions and cultural continuity across its vast expanse.
The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 holds immense astrological significance. According to Hindu scriptures, the sacred alignments of celestial bodies are directly linked to the Kumbh festival. The event occurs when Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon align in specific constellations. The 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj was held during a rare celestial configuration—Jupiter’s entry into the Aries constellation with the Sun and Moon positioned in Capricorn. This unique alignment occurs once every 144 years, which made this year’s Mahakumbh particularly significant.
The astrological importance of the Kumbh Mela is rooted in the legend of Samudra Manthan, when the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain amrit (the nectar of immortality). It took 12 divine days to transport the amrit to the heavens, which corresponds to 12 years in human time. This celestial event symbolises the journey towards spiritual enlightenment and the purification of the soul.
The event not only elevated the spiritual significance of Prayagraj but also provided an extraordinary boost to the city’s economy, multiplying it a thousandfold. The hospitality sector—including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators—reaped substantial benefits, while the economic impact extended to real estate, automobiles, electronics, and luxury goods. Local shops, small vendors selling Kumbh merchandise, bike riders, taxi owners, and countless others witnessed an unprecedented influx of visitors.
The Mahakumbh has united all Sanatani Hindus, demonstrating to the world that despite our diverse colours, languages, cuisines, ethnicities, and geographies, we are one when it comes to dharma. We are spiritual, religious, and bound together by shared values. No caste certificate was required before taking a dip at Triveni Sangam, no jati was questioned, no social status was considered, and no gender bias was observed—contrary to the distorted portrayal of our varna vyavastha. Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj was seen bathing downstream, while upstream, a Nanku Nishad (from the so-called lower caste) was also taking a dip at Triveni Sangam.
A great deal of muck must have been cleared from the lenses of Western scholars and leftist ideologues (should they so wish) who are busy widening the rift they created amongst Hindus in the name of caste and creed.
Gopal Goswami, PhD, is a Researcher, Columnist & Social Worker. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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