The Kumbha Mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, attracts seekers from across the globe to the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. For the devotees of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship (YSS/SRF), the Mela holds deep spiritual significance, as it has been blessed by the sacred presence of our revered Guru and Paramgurus — Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Sri Yukteswarji, and Paramahansa Yoganandaji, as described in Autobiography of a Yogi.
In keeping with its longstanding tradition, YSS set up a camp at the Prayagraj Kumbha Mela — 2025 from January 10 to February 15, offering a serene and uplifting pilgrimage for thousands of YSS/SRF devotees, families, and friends.
A Sacred Beginning: Inauguration and Spiritual Activities
The YSS camp was inaugurated on January 10 by Swami Ishwarananda Giri. Devotees staying at the camp had the opportunity to take a sacred dip in the Sangam and participate in various spiritual programmes conducted by YSS sannyasis – daily group meditations, kirtans, spiritual discourse, and video screenings.
Monastic counselling was also available, providing devotees with the opportunity to seek spiritual guidance to deepen their practice of Kriya Yoga and the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
“Serene, blissful, divine! An unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.”
– L.N., Telangana
Enthusiastic participation from Devotees
The YSS camp saw enthusiastic participation, with approximately 2,500 devotees visiting from various corners of the world. Around 300 devotees participated in the camp’s activities each day, making it a vibrant centre of divine fellowship.
A spirit of selfless service permeated the camp, with more than 100 devotees volunteering throughout the event to ensure the smooth running of the camp. Volunteers participated in books, reception, kitchen, hospitality, etc.
“I felt like I was in my mother’s home, filled with love and warmth from our Guruji. The entire experience was heavenly…. We could feel the presence of Guruji in each of the volunteers who served us with so much love and care.”
– J. L., Andhra Pradesh
Comfortable Arrangements for Stay
To ensure a comfortable and spiritually enriching stay, several enhancements were made at the YSS camp as compared to previous Melas:
- Providing cots, blankets, and hot water for devotees’ convenience.
- The entire camp was covered with tarpaulin for insulation against the cold.
- Hygienic toilets with tiled flooring were meticulously maintained.
The serene environment of the camp was deeply appreciated by devotees, making it a peaceful sanctuary amidst the vast gathering of the Kumbha Mela.
Another devotee said: “This time, everything was greatly improved! The arrangements for cots, blankets, charging points, and sanitation were excellent. The meditation hall, reception, meeting rooms were all so well-organized. The ambiance was soothing, and the camp felt spacious. The sattvic food was nourishing, and meditating near the Ganges was a true blessing. We are grateful to Gurudeva, YSS, and the volunteers for this wonderful experience at the Kumbha Mela.”
Medical Seva to Pilgrims
In addition to serving YSS devotees, the camp also offered medical assistance to thousands of pilgrims attending the Kumbha Mela. With the help of dedicated doctors who selflessly volunteered on daily basis, the camp ensured timely and compassionate healthcare for all who sought help. Around 20,000 individuals received free medical aid from the dispensary run by YSS at the camp site.
Spiritual Outreach: Sharing the Teachings of Guruji
Over 25,000 visitors visited the book stall; where volunteers and monastics were available to interact with eager truth-seekers who wanted to know more about Gurudeva’s teachings and some of them enrolled for the YSS Lessons.
Closing
After weeks of spiritual upliftment, the YSS Kumbha Mela Camp concluded on February 15 with a closing satsanga by camp administrator Swami Dhairyananda Giri. Devotees departed with hearts overflowing with gratitude, love, and the grace of God and the Gurus. They carried with them the blessings of deep meditation, divine fellowship, and the boundless love of Guruji.
Please click the button for a glimpse of the divine moments shared at the camp.
