Young people in India have a huge interest in spirituality and religion, but they are doing it differently than older generations. For many Gen Zers, it is a personalized experience rather than a ritualistic compulsion.

Delhi

Ramesh and Manju, a farming couple from Odisha, fulfilled a long-held promise by attending the Mahakumbh Mela in Priyagraj, a major Hindu religious festival. After years of saving and a lengthy journey, they joined millions of devotees at the event, which is known as the largest religious gathering in the world.

The couple expressed deep emotional and spiritual connection upon arrival, participating in rituals such as paying respects at the Ganges and preparing for the holy dip, which is believed to cleanse the soul. Their experience reflects the enduring importance of the Mahakumbh Mela for many Hindus, as well as the personal sacrifices made to attend.

How India's Gen Z is redefining spirituality

Pilgrims arrive at this railway station in Priyagraj city. Ramesh and Manju are among millions of devotees embarking on a spiritual journey at this year's Mahakumbela. A farming couple from the poor eastern state of Odisha who saved every penny for the last few years to attend the festival. The biggest religious gathering on earth. It was a long journey but after reaching the holy land of Priyagraj, all the fatigue and tiredness vanished. I am really excited about it. Will you take us to the Kumbh Mela? The couple looks for a rickshaw to take them to the Mahakumb. After an hour of wait, they finally manage to get a ride. Ramesh and Manju have been waiting for decades to be at the Mahakumb. A promise Ramesh made to his wife on the day of their marriage 20 years ago. They both look around in disbelief, trying to convince themselves that this is not just another dream. It was my dream to come to Kumbh Mela. If it were not for Manju, we would not be here today. She planted this dream in my heart. I consider my wife a goddess who inspired me to take this holy journey. As the reality of their arrival sinks in, the rickshaw comes to a halt at the entrance of the Mahakumbh Mela grounds. Finally the moment has arrived. They join the crowd of spiritual devotees streaming in, feeling blessed. On their way to the banks of the holy river Ganges, they pass by the temporary tent city. The area is plastered with billboards of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Hindu nationalist BJP party is heavily invested in organising the mega event. But Ramesh doesn't mind the political undertones of this religious festival. Prime Minister Modi has done great work for the Mahakumbh Mela. We salute him a billion times from our heart. Now we have reached here at the heart of the festival and we are heading and waiting to see the sacred rivers. As they approach the banks of the sacred river, they pay their respects. After 36 hours of journey, they decide to take a brief rest. Overpowered with emotions, Manju says she is contemplating the meaning of being here. I can feel the spiritual power of the Kumbh. I haven't taken the holy dip yet, but I can sense a deep connection with God. We have come to wash our sins that we committed in our past lives. We have come this far to seek forgiveness for our ancestors and pray for the future of our children. Then the couple gets ready for the holy bath that's considered auspicious in Hinduism. For Hindus like Manju and Ramesh, taking the holy dip cleanses their soul and helps attain salvation. It's very cold but we are here for the blessings of the Ganges. At the banks, Ramesh and Manju step away from the crowd and sit together to enjoy this very special moment in their lives. They light some lamps to express their gratitude for the memories that they started to build two decades ago.

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