Tribal Spirit Shines at Kumbh

India’s ancient spirit came alive as tribals, youth, and saints converged at the Triveni Sangam in a vibrant celebration of unity and faith.

The Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj broke records and spotlighted India’s enduring spiritual and cultural legacy. Viewed through mythological, religious, and historical lenses, it offered new insight into timeless traditions. Even today, the Triveni Sangam remains a powerful symbol of religious identity.

`In a tech-driven era, India’s spiritual roots continue to transcend caste, class, wealth, education, and status—bound by faith. This historic Kumbh rekindled that spiritual flame.

Marking the RSS centenary, the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram hosted the Janajati Sanskritik Samagam from 6–10 February 2025. Over 10,000 traditionally dressed tribals joined a grand procession and rituals at the Triveni Sangam. The Yuva Kumbh added youthful energy and broad participation.

Held every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela symbolises Indian identity and faith. Tribals eagerly await it, though many face challenges due to distance and lack of transport. Since 2005, the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has helped tribals attend Kumbhs—whether in Shabari, Ujjain, Nashik, or Prayagraj—to offer prayers and take the sacred dip.

Bringing 15,000 tribals to this year’s Prayagraj Kumbh took careful planning. Multiple meetings were held between Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, spiritual leaders like Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj, Mahant Raghunathbappa Farshiware Baba, Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, and organisations like Surabhi Pratishthan and Uttam Dham.

From 6–10 February, the temporary Birsa Centre hosted the Janajati Yuva Kumbh, royal baths, processions, folk art displays, and gatherings of tribal saints and social workers.

The main event, on 6 February, witnessed over 5,000 tribal youth take part. Key attendees included Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj—the only Mahamandaleshwar from the tribal community—Swami Raghunathbappa Maharaj, Union Minister Shri Durga Das Uike, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram President Shri Satyendra Singh, ex-NCST Chairman Shri Harsh Chouhan, and Padma Shri Chaitram Pawar.

Shri Chouhan spoke of the Kumbh’s role in preserving tribal identity, calling it a living symbol of forest-rooted culture. Saints urged youth to treasure their forest traditions and called on spiritual leaders to visit tribal areas to experience their sacredness. They stressed that the Kumbh remains incomplete without forest-dweller unity—echoing Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj’s words earlier in Prayagraj.

The Yuva Kumbh also spotlighted tribal struggles and achievements. Speakers like Shri Lakshmanraj Singh Markam, Shri Jitendra Dhruv, Smt Meena Murmu, Dr Ram Shankar Uraon, and Arvind Bhil addressed the gathering. Shri Markam, a Madhya Pradesh official, delivered a message in Hindi and English outlining seven key principles for youth-led social change.

Shri Satyendra Singh encouraged youth to share their community’s wisdom via media and grow as confident leaders.

Over four days, the wisdom and blessings from saints and social leaders left a strong impression on attendees and future generations.

Swami Avadheshanand Giri Maharaj honoured Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram leaders and social workers, including Padma Shri Pawar. Sixteen young tribal activists were also felicitated with shawls, mementos, and certificates.

On 7 February, after the Youth Conference, 10,000 tribals in traditional attire marched from two locations to the Triveni Sangam, dancing and chanting along the way—one group covering 14 km. Swami Yatindranand Giri Maharaj and other saints, including Swami Aseemanand Ji and senior Kalyan Ashram leaders, joined them for the royal bath.

While the holy bath was the centrepiece, another key aim was to showcase India’s tribal and Sanatan culture. The grand procession offered Kumbh visitors a vibrant glimpse of tribal life.

A cultural programme began and continued through 8–9 February. Organised by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and IGNCA, 106 folk groups performed music and dance at four venues—Kailashanand Ashram, Uttam Dham, Prajyotishpuram, and Chhattisgarh Bhavan.

Tribal performers from across India celebrated nature-rooted traditions and the Panch Mahabhutas. Through native dialects and music, they fostered unity—reminding all that urban life springs from forest roots.

In Sanatan Dharma, regional songs—from Kokna’s “Donyi Polo” to Marathi bhajans—evoke nature and gratitude. Despite varied dialects, they shared a spiritual resonance.

Here, distinctions between rural, urban, and forest life faded—everyone was simply Indian. Ashram heads praised the performances, urging continued efforts to preserve this living heritage.

The Sant Samagam on 9–10 February brought together saints from the Northeast. Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji spoke; RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale Ji, Suresh Soni Ji, VHP’s Dinesh Ji, and UP Minister Shri Jain also attended. Fifty-one saints were honoured, with Sarkaryavah Ji walking to each and offering flowers—a deeply moving moment.

Concerns were raised about external interference, especially missionary activity. Legal benefits for tribals are often diverted. Saints called for action on forest conservation, displacement, and sustainable development.

A shining example of the spirit of “Tu Main Ek Rakt” (You and I are of one blood) was Shri Jalan of Surabhi Sanstha, who ensured all tribals and devotees were fed prasad—no small feat, successfully managed.

The Kumbh drew wide media coverage. Volunteers live-streamed events, and IGNCA helped take this spiritual celebration global.

The mission behind this grand tribal participation in the Kumbh was fulfilled.

(The author is the national general secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram)