The Women of Maha Kumbh
By Manu Shrivastava
The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is often characterised by grand spectacles and large gatherings, but beneath the surface lies a lesser-known and deeply empowering narrative: the pivotal role of women in shaping the festival. Contrary to the perception that large religious gatherings are male-dominated, the Maha Kumbh showcases a quiet yet transformational shift where women are not just passive participants but active agents of change, leadership, and spiritual influence.
As the Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—witnesses millions of pilgrims bathe, the women of the Maha Kumbh are seen leading prayers, organising community initiatives, and even running ashrams and spiritual retreats. They represent an essential and growing presence in a space that has historically been perceived as male-centric. The Kumbh has transformed into a place where gender equality and female empowerment are not just theoretical ideals, but real, lived experiences.
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| The Maha Kumbh showcases women who are not just passive participants but active agents of change |
In a corner of the vast tent city set up for the festival, we meet Dr. Aruna Kumari, a renowned social worker from Patna who has been volunteering at the Maha Kumbh for the past five years. Dr. Kumari, dressed in a simple saffron sari, leads a group of women in a prayer session at one of the many gathering sites around the Sangam. “The Kumbh is a place of spiritual renewal, but for us women, it’s also a place of empowerment,” she says with an air of quiet confidence. “Over the years, we have come to understand that this is not just a religious gathering. It is a platform where women can speak their truths, share their stories, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.”
Aruna’s words are reflective of a larger cultural shift that has unfolded at the Maha Kumbh in recent years. Women’s participation in spiritual leadership, community welfare programs, and even educational initiatives is more visible than ever. Where once women were confined to roles as supporters and followers, today they lead pilgrimages, head spiritual discourses, and even run charitable kitchens that serve food to millions of devotees.
Priyanka Yadav, a young entrepreneur from Lucknow, stands in front of her stall selling eco-friendly spiritual products. Priyanka’s stall is one of the many women-run businesses flourishing at the Maha Kumbh, where sustainable and eco-conscious items like cloth bags, organic incense sticks, and handcrafted jewelry are sold to pilgrims. “The Kumbh is a place of faith, but it’s also a place of entrepreneurial spirit,” she says. “Women like me are creating opportunities for themselves here. This platform allows us to showcase our creativity and contribute to the economy while staying connected to our spiritual roots.”
Priyanka’s story is emblematic of a broader movement among entrepreneurial women who have found the Maha Kumbh to be a thriving marketplace of opportunities. As the world shifts toward a more inclusive economy, women are increasingly participating in and benefiting from these large-scale religious and cultural events.
In addition to the entrepreneurial women, spiritual leaders have emerged as powerful figures within the Maha Kumbh. These sadhavis draw hundreds of women and men alike who are eager to hear perspectives on personal growth, yoga, and spiritual healing. “The Maha Kumbh is the ultimate platform for women to voice their opinions, share their wisdom, and lead the spiritual dialogue,” says a sadhavi from Rishikesh. “We are seeing a surge of women who are not just coming to bathe but to learn, lead, and teach. This is a revolution of the mind and spirit.”
Beyond the public roles and leadership positions, the community dynamics at the Maha Kumbh also demonstrate an intricate and powerful collaboration between women. The numerous community kitchens, where thousands of meals are prepared daily for pilgrims, are often run by teams of women who manage everything from sourcing ingredients to cooking and serving food. These Seva Dals, as they are called, work in unison to ensure that no one goes hungry during the festival. For Shanti Devi, a volunteer with one of these Seva Dals, the act of service is a spiritual calling. “Every meal we serve is not just food—it’s love, it’s faith, and it’s a service to the divine,” she says while stirring a pot of lentils. “Women have always played a central role in nurturing communities. Here, at the Kumbh, our contributions are a testament to the power of selfless service.”
The presence of female police officers and safety personnel has also increased, with women now taking on leadership roles in ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims. Sub-Inspector Anjali Kumari, who is part of the Maha Kumbh security team, walks through the bustling crowds, guiding her team and keeping a watchful eye on the thousands of pilgrims. “We are here to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure,” Anjali says with determination. “The Kumbh is a spiritual event, but it’s also a massive logistical operation, and women are at the forefront of making it successful.”
While much of the media’s focus often falls on the challenges of organising such a large-scale event—highlighting issues like overcrowding, sanitation, and safety—there is a growing recognition that women are shaping the Maha Kumbh in profound and lasting ways. From grassroots activism to spiritual leadership, from business ventures to humanitarian work, the women of the Maha Kumbh are transforming it into a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity.
As another sadhavi reflects, “In this sacred space, women are discovering their true potential. This is no longer a festival defined by just men. It is a celebration of the divine feminine energy that flows through each of us.”
As the Maha Kumbh in 2025 draws to a close, one thing is clear: this will not just be a gathering of millions, but a living testament to the power and potential of women—individuals whose leadership, devotion, and resilience will continue to redefine the very essence of the Maha Kumbh for generations to come.
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