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Seeking Sisterhood: Women Share What Led Them To Maha Kumbh Mela

SheThePeople spoke to women from all walks of life, hailing from different corners of the world, who gathered at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to take part in this grand spiritual event.

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Priya Prakash
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Women Share Their Maha Kumbh Experiences

Women Share Their Maha Kumbh Experiences/ (Choti Musafir/ IG)

SheThePeople spoke to women from all walks of life, hailing from different corners of the world, who gathered at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to take part in this grand spiritual event. Among the millions of devotees who flocked to the Triveni Ghat on the Maha Kumbh in 2025, one experience stood out for many: the sacred dip in the Ganges River at sunrise. The significance of this moment transcended personal devotion, with women sharing how it felt like a powerful connection to the divine.

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In addition to spirituality, another profound aspect highlighted was the unspoken bond of sisterhood that existed among the women present. This shared energy of support and collective wisdom, passed down through generations, created a sense of unity and empowerment that was felt deeply. For these women, the Kumbh wasn’t just an event; it was a journey of making timeless memories, not only for themselves but for eternity.

Women Share Their Maha Kumbh Experiences

The women we spoke to shared powerful and emotional reflections on their experiences at the Maha Kumbh Mela, particularly moments that left lasting impressions on them. Ayra Bansal, 26, a model and actor from Toronto, Canada, travelled to the Maha Kumbh Mela seeking spiritual growth and a deeper connection with her cultural roots, recalling one of her most memorable experiences, shared, "One of the standout moments for me was taking a dip in the sacred Ganges River at sunrise. The experience was nothing short of magical, the water was icy cold, but the spiritual energy was palpable. I felt a deep sense of connection to the divine and the millions of devotees who had gathered there."

Arushi, known as Choti Musafir, is a 25-year-old working professional who attended the Maha Kumbh Mela with her family, echoed a similar sentiment, describing the scene as both humbling and unifying. She said, "A standout moment for me was so many spiritual souls and the mass enthusiasm of pilgrims taking the holy dip at sunrise, it was a deeply unifying and humbling experience."

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Isha Sinha, a young event planner, who had previously attended Dev Deepavali at Varanasi before attending the Maha Kumbh, reflected on the deep sense of empowerment she felt during the rituals, saying, "It was transformative and empowering. Witnessing the Ganga aarti and participating in rituals alongside millions of women was profoundly moving."

Jyoti Pandey, 23 years old, took a bold step by quitting her job to pursue a career as a full-time content creator. Recently, she had the incredible opportunity to visit the Maha Kumbh in 2025 with her friends, too, was deeply affected by the overwhelming spiritual significance of the event. She said, "Witnessing this extraordinary celebration of faith, culture, and humanity left an indelible mark on me, and being part of such a historic occasion was an experience I will treasure forever, becoming part of its rich cultural and spiritual significance."

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Women-Specific Spaces and Activities

At the Maha Kumbh Mela, amidst millions of people, special areas were set up for women to ensure they felt safe and included. When speaking to us, these women expressed their gratitude for these spaces. Here's what they had to say.

Ayra Bansal reflected on her experience, sharing, “I was delighted to discover that the Kumbh Mela organizers had made a conscious effort to create spaces and activities that catered specifically to women. One such space that stood out to me was the 'Nari Shakti' (Women's Empowerment) pavilion. The pavilion was dedicated to showcasing women's achievements, talents, and contributions to society. It featured exhibitions, workshops, and interactive sessions on various themes, such as women's health, education, entrepreneurship, and spirituality. I was impressed by the range of activities and the enthusiasm of the women participants.”

Highlighting the thoughtful provisions made for women, she added, “Another space that caught my attention was the 'Matru Shakti' (Mother's Power) area, which provided facilities and services specifically for women, including a creche, medical services, and counselling. It was heartening to see that the organizers had recognised the importance of supporting women's needs and had taken concrete steps to address them.”

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Arushi appreciated the practical arrangements made for women, noting, “There were designated changing areas for women that offered privacy and a sense of safety, which I greatly appreciated.” Echoing similar sentiments, Jyoti Pandey emphasised the value of these spaces, stating, “Indeed, the organisers did a great job of accommodating the female participants. There were dedicated free changing rooms for women that felt like havens. These areas provided a feeling of safety and respect in addition to privacy. Being in these spaces allowed me to experience the Kumbh in a way that was both comfortable and deeply enriching.”

Isha Sinha concluded by reflecting on how these provisions enhanced her overall experience at the event, saying, “Yes, separate bathing areas, women-specific camps, and workshops created a safe, inclusive environment, enhancing my comfort and engagement.”

Sense of Community and Sisterhood

These women who attended the Maha Kumbh Mela also talked about the deep sense of sisterhood they experienced. In the midst of millions of people, they found comfort in helping each other.

Isha escalated the sentiment, saying, “The sense of community among women was one of the most beautiful aspects of the Kumbh. Whether it was sharing food, helping each other navigate the crowds, or offering a word of encouragement, the sisterhood was palpable.” She added, “I formed connections with women from all walks of life, young pilgrims, elderly devotees, and spiritual seekers, which made my journey even more meaningful. The shared experiences created a sense of unity that transcended barriers of language, culture, and age.”

Building on Isha's reflections, Arushi added, “Whether it was offering each other support during the chaotic rush for the holy dip or sharing stories at the camps, sisterhood played a vital role in making the experience more meaningful. It was inspiring to see women from diverse backgrounds united by their faith and shared purpose.”

Jyoti highlighted the quiet yet profound connections forged at the Kumbh, sharing, “An unspoken sisterhood existed, I felt a collective sense of strength, as if every woman present was carrying the wisdom of her ancestors. My journey became more meaningful because it was more about collective empowerment than individual spirituality thanks to this shared energy.”

Ayra reflected on the enduring legacy of women’s contributions to India’s spiritual heritage, adding, “From the women sadhus who shared their wisdom with me to the countless female devotees who braved the crowds to take a dip in the Ganges, I was inspired by the strength, resilience, and devotion of the women I met.”

Downsides: Challenges Faced by Women at the Kumbh

Arushi shared her experience, saying, "Crowds and long queues were a challenge, and at times, the sheer volume of people felt overwhelming.” Isha also noted the challenge of navigating the large crowds, saying, "Navigating the massive crowds was challenging, but the management had well-placed safety measures, such as women police personnel and dedicated help desks.”

She added, “I did feel a bit overwhelmed at times, especially during peak hours at the ghats. Staying in a group, keeping emergency contacts handy, and remaining vigilant helped me navigate these situations. Most importantly, I found that the community was very supportive, which eased many of my concerns." 

Similarly, Jyoti reflected on the event’s size, sharing, "The event was both thrilling and difficult due to its massive scale. Nonetheless, I always had necessities with me. Local volunteers and security personnel were helpful, which eased some of my concerns."

Advice for Women Attending Maha Kumbh

Together, these stories paint a vivid picture of the profound sisterhood that blossomed at the Kumbh Mela, fostering a sense of unity, strength, and collective empowerment among the women who gathered there. The sisterhood didn't stop there, these women who attended the Maha Kumbh shared powerful messages for others planning to go.

Ayra Bansal encouraged, "Do not underestimate your own spirituality. The Kumbh Mela celebrates the divine feminine in all of us. Let your spirit soar!" Jyoti Pandey shared, "Equip yourself with knowledge, stay open, and trust the journey. The Maha Kumbh isn’t just an event, it’s transformative. Embrace it and you'll return stronger."

Arushi, also eager to inspire other women, added, "To women considering attending, I would say: Go for it! The Maha Kumbh is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. Plan well, prioritize safety, and embrace the experience with an open heart. It’s empowering and will leave you with memories and lessons to cherish forever."

Kumbh Mela Maha Kumbh 2025 Mahakumbh
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