The Maha Kumbh 2025, which begins in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday, January 13, is already seeing the arrival of several distinguished and unique sages, including the well-known “Ambassador Baba” and “Chai Wale Baba.” The event, held every 12 years, is expected to draw over 45 crore devotees, with the grand celebrations lasting until February 26.
Devotees will gather at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the now-extinct Saraswati rivers, known as the Sangam, to take a holy dip. The main bathing rituals, or Shahi Snan, are scheduled for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced several spiritual events, including a Central Guidance Board meeting on January 24, a Sadhvi Conference on January 25, a Saint Conference on January 25-26, and a Youth Saint Conference on January 27. These events will be held at Rishi Bhardwaj Ashram in the Kumbh Mela area.
Here are some of the most fascinating sages attending this year’s Maha Kumbh:
Ambassador Baba
Hailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Ambassador Baba arrived in Prayagraj on Sunday in his iconic 1972 Ambassador car, which has been his companion for over 30 years. Over 50 years old, Baba has attended four Kumbh Melas and is known for his unique mode of travel to the sacred event.
Environment Baba
Mahamandaleshwar Avdhoot Baba, known as ‘Environment Baba,’ has arrived to inspire devotees with his message on environmental conservation. A passionate advocate for planting trees, Baba has performed 82 rituals and is leading a movement to plant over 1 crore trees. His devotees, spanning 30 countries, are actively involved in tree planting initiatives, and Baba has been affectionately called ‘Environment Baba’ after his 2016 tree plantation drive from Vaishnodevi to Kanyakumari.
Rudraksha Baba
Baba Digambar Ajay Giri, also known as ‘Rudraksha Baba,’ of Niranjani Panchayati Akhara, arrived in Prayagraj adorned with 11,000 Rudraksh beads, which are sacred to Lord Shiva. According to Shivapurana, wearing 11,000 Rudraksh beads signifies being the Rudra Avatar of Shiva. Baba explained that these divine beads, along with other gems, are worn by saints for spiritual benefits and to connect with various planetary energies.
Rabri Baba
Rabri Baba, or Shri Mahant Devgiri of Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, has become a beloved figure at the Kumbh. His selfless service includes preparing and serving creamy Rabri to devotees in a giant Kadhai from morning till late at night. This tradition began in 2019, when Baba first served Rabri for an extended period, winning the hearts of many. Baba assures that his act of serving Rabri is not a publicity stunt but a divine service inspired by Goddess Mahakali.
Chai Wale Baba
Known as Dinesh Swaroop Brahmachari, “Chai Wale Baba” is a former tea seller from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, who has taken a vow of silence and food abstention. For over 40 years, he has mentored civil services aspirants while surviving solely on ten cups of tea daily. His unique approach to teaching—without speaking or eating—has garnered admiration, and he continues to guide students via WhatsApp, offering free coaching to those preparing for civil services exams.
This year’s Maha Kumbh promises to be a remarkable gathering, with these extraordinary sages and their inspiring stories of service and spirituality adding to the event’s significance.
