Spiritually fulfilled, Kalpvasis head home as month-long austerity concludes

As the month-long period of austerity came to an end, thousands of Kalpvasis began their journey back home after completing their spiritual stay at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. These devotees, who lived a simple life by the banks of the Sangam, immersed themselves in daily prayers, bathing rituals, and acts of charity.

On Maghi Purnima, the fifth official bathing festival, the Kalpvasis took their final dip in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam before performing their concluding rituals. Many expressed their deep spiritual fulfillment, vowing to return for the next Kalpvas.

A devotional journey ends

Prem Kumar Jha and his wife Gauri Devi, who came from a small village in Bihar’s Madhubani district, completed their month-long stay on Wednesday. They embraced a life of simplicity and devotion, waking up early for holy dips and participating in religious activities.

Ram Narayan and his wife Beena Devi, also from Bihar, followed strict rituals during their stay. They bathed twice daily in the Ganga and listened to spiritual discourses. Their journey began on January 13, when they arrived for the first bathing festival of Paush Purnima, marking the start of the Kalpvas.

For Ram Achal Mishra from Pratapgarh, this was his 18th Kalpvas. He cherished the opportunity to listen to religious teachings and find peace in the sacred surroundings. Similarly, 76-year-old Shivnath Gahmari from Satna completed his 23rd Kalpvas, growing emotional as he prepared to leave. “I feel at peace and spiritually fulfilled. Maa Ganga’s blessings have strengthened my soul, and I will return for this journey again,” he said.

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Rituals and acts of charity

Before departing, Kalpvasis participated in their final rituals, including sacred offerings known as ‘havan’ and charitable donations. Holy scriptures mention 84 types of donations, and devotees contributed based on their faith and ability. Some donated beds, food, and clothing, while others gave money to the needy. For those who could not complete their offerings on Maghi Purnima, an alternative was available—the final bath in Trijata the following day.

The significance of Kalpvas is well documented in Hindu scriptures. The Magha Mahatmya, an ancient text written by sage Vyasa, highlights the importance of staying in Prayagraj during the month of Magha. The Padma Purana also instructs devotees to perform sacred activities in Prayagraj, emphasizing that continuous bathing in the Sangam’s waters helps free one’s soul from the cycle of rebirth.

As thousands of Kalpvasis completed their spiritual journey, they carried cherished memories and a renewed sense of faith. The sacred ‘chandan tika’ on their foreheads symbolized the completion of their rituals and devotion. Many left with a deep sense of peace, believing they had taken steps toward achieving ‘moksha’ or spiritual liberation.

Given the large crowd, the Mahakumbh administration implemented a well-planned exit strategy to ensure a smooth departure for the Kalpvasis. Vehicles were only allowed to leave once the Mela ground began to clear. Tractors and small transport vehicles designated for the Kalpvasis were stationed in parking areas outside the Mela zone, ensuring a safe and organized transit.

DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna had earlier urged devotees to follow the orderly dispersal process. Authorities ensured that devotees who had completed their final rituals could exit the Mela grounds without congestion or delays.

With the Mahakumbh’s grand spiritual gathering coming to a close, the Kalpvasis left Prayagraj with hearts full of devotion and minds at peace. Many vowed to return, reaffirming their commitment to faith and spiritual discipline.