Prayagraj: This year, devotees and seers visiting Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj will be presented with saplings of sandalwood and rudraksha, along with the special mahaprasad from Bade Hanuman Temple.
Maha Kumbh Mela, which takes place once every 12 years, is set to be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the ministry of forest and environment has rolled out this special campaign, aiming to deepen the spiritual and ecological significance of the grand event. The initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure that the Mela not only celebrates spiritual beliefs but also promotes environmental consciousness.
VIPs to receive sandalwood, rudraksha saplings
As part of the initiative, the visitors, including prominent seers and shankaracharyas from across the world, will receive the sacred sandalwood and rudraksha saplings. These plants are symbolic in Hinduism for their spiritual and cultural significance.
Sandalwood, known for its soothing aroma and use in religious rituals, is seen as a symbol of purity, while rudraksha is revered for its spiritual benefits, especially in meditation. Together, these saplings represent both a connection to the divine and a commitment to nurturing the environment.
Baghambari Gaddi Math, along with the forest department, is responsible for distributing these saplings to all the attendees of the event.
Special arrangements
According to official estimates, around 45 crore people are expected to visit Maha Kumbh Mela this year. The state government has created a new district, Mahakumbh Nagar, which includes 66 villages from four tehsils – Sadar, Soraon, Phulpur, and Karchhana.
The beautification of the main intersections and highways leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela is already underway, with the focus on incorporating natural landscaping. A total of 1,49,620 saplings are to be planted in the region, with 1,37,964 already in place. The species selected for planting include tulsi, agastya, apamarg (Chichida), durva, bel and shami, all of which have cultural and ecological significance in Hindu traditions.
Arvind Kumar Yadav, divisional forest officer (DFO) of Prayagraj, spoke about the detailed planning behind this initiative. He said, “The Maha Kumbh Mela is a unique event, and we want to ensure that it leaves a lasting impact not just spiritually but also environmentally. The planting of these saplings is one of the many steps to create an unforgettable, eco-friendly experience for the attendees.”
Pujya Balveer Giri Maharaj, mahant of Bade Hanuman Temple and Shrimath Baghambari Peethadheeshwar, highlighted the temple’s role in making this year’s Maha Kumbh a special experience for devotees. “We wanted to give devotees something different this year,” he said. “They will leave not only with spiritual blessings but also with saplings that reflect the values of growth, peace, and harmony. It’s a way of connecting them with nature while enhancing their spiritual journey.”
