The First Glimpse: A Sea of Devotion

As I stepped onto the sacred grounds of Sangam, where the holy Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati converge, the air buzzed with chants, the scent of incense, and the rhythmic beats of temple bells. Millions of devotees, clad in saffron and draped in faith, had gathered for the world’s largest spiritual congregation. The sight was overwhelming—faith in its purest form, woven into every face, every prayer, and every ritual.

The Naga Sadhus: Mystics in Ash and Silence

Moving through the crowd, my camera sought the enigmatic Naga Sadhus—the ash-covered saints, their matted hair flowing like ancient rivers, eyes closed in deep meditation. Some stood still, lost in a trance; others marched towards the river for the sacred dip, their cries of "Har Har Mahadev" echoing in the misty morning light. Capturing their expressions was like freezing time—each wrinkle on their faces held the wisdom of ages.

The Sacred Dip: Liberation in a Single Moment

At sunrise, thousands of devotees rushed towards the Sangam for the Shahi Snan (royal bath). As the golden morning light reflected off the rippling waters, I focused my lens on an older man with folded hands, taking slow steps into the river. His face was serene—eyes closed, lips whispering prayers. The moment he submerged, it felt like the river had accepted his burdens, cleansing his soul. I clicked as he emerged, droplets glistening like tiny jewels on his skin—a frame that spoke of purity, faith, and surrender.

The Grand Procession: A Moving Canvas of Faith

Later in the day, the grand Shahi Procession took over the streets. Akhadas of saints and elephants adorned with vibrant colours filled the atmosphere, and the resounding echo of conch shells filled the air. I framed the contrast between ancient tradition and modern technology: a Sadhu blessed a devotee while a young pilgrim captured the moment on his smartphone.

Twilight at the Kumbh: A Thousand Lamps, A Million Prayers

As the sun dipped, the ghats of Prayagraj transformed. Countless earthen lamps (diyas) floated on the river, mirroring the starry sky above. The river seemed to carry their prayers away, and in that moment, I felt less like a photographer and more like a witness to something timeless.

Through My Lens: A Story Beyond Photographs

Reviewing my photographs, I realise that Mahakumbh is not just about visuals—it’s about emotions, faith, and stories that transcend time. My journey as a photographer at Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 was more than just capturing frames—it was about capturing the soul of India’s spiritual heartbeat.