Maha Kumbh Mela sparks debate on Ganga’s water purity

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj has made history, witnessing an unprecedented gathering of over 60 crore devotees, making it the largest human assembly ever recorded.

Held once every 144 years, this sacred festival has become a symbol of spiritual unity, devotion, and cultural harmony, drawing millions from across India and beyond. Prominent religious leaders, saints, and dignitaries have described the event as a divine confluence of faith and tradition.

With the festival set to conclude on February 26, 2025, the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam remains its most revered ritual, believed to cleanse devotees of sins and bring them closer to moksha (liberation).

The Purity of the Ganga: Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives

Amidst the spiritual fervor, the purity of the Ganga’s waters has become a topic of discussion. A study by Dr. Ajay Sonkar highlights the river’s unique ability to eliminate germs 50 times faster than other freshwater sources due to the presence of bacteriophages—viruses that target and destroy bacteria.

This phenomenon, often cited as evidence of the Ganga’s self-purifying nature, reinforces its sacred status among devotees. However, experts caution that bacteriophages may also indicate fecal contamination, presenting a more complex reality of the river’s water quality. As millions continue to bathe in the holy waters, the debate over spiritual belief vs. scientific assessment remains central to discussions on the Ganga’s conservation and purity.