On the eve of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Prayagraj’s Yamuna ghats came alive with the Kalindi Mahotsav, illuminating the riverbanks with over 51,000 diyas. Organized by Shri Dattatreya Seva Samiti under Juna Akhara’s patronage, the event blended spiritual rituals, cultural performances, and prayers for the upcoming Magh Mela in January 2026.
Kalindi Mahotsav 2025: A Divine Canvas of Light and Faith on the Yamuna
As dusk descended on October 31, 2025, the sacred banks of the Yamuna River in Prayagraj transformed into a shimmering spectacle of faith and festivity. The Kalindi Mahotsav, held annually before Dev Uthani Ekadashi, once again cast a spell of spiritual grandeur, drawing saints, devotees, and tourists into its radiant embrace.
Key Highlights from Kalindi Mahotsav 2025:
51,000 Diyas Illuminate the Ghats
The event saw the lighting of 51,000 earthen lamps at Mauj Giri Ghat, creating a breathtaking visual tapestry across the Yamuna’s surface.
Thousands more diyas were floated in the river, symbolizing prayers and offerings to Mother Yamuna.
Spiritual Leadership & Participation
Organized by Shri Dattatreya Seva Samiti under the guidance of Shri Panch Dashanam Juna Akhara, the event was attended by seers from all akharas, along with judges from the Allahabad High Court.
Saints chanted Vedic mantras, while women performed aarti rituals, adding layers of devotion to the evening.
Cultural & Religious Significance
The Mahotsav serves as a spiritual prelude to the Magh Mela, scheduled for January 2026, which the government is organizing as a mini Kumbh.
Devotees prayed for the successful completion of the upcoming mela, invoking blessings for peace and prosperity.
Visual Splendor & Community Spirit
The Yamuna’s waves reflected the golden glow of the diyas, creating a surreal ambiance that merged tradition, nature, and devotion.
Locals and pilgrims alike described the experience as “a divine moment where the river smiled back.”
Infrastructure & Legacy
In preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025, the state government has constructed concrete ghats along the Ganga and Yamuna, enhancing accessibility and safety for future events.
Kalindi Mahotsav isn’t just a festival—it’s a living ritual of light, legacy, and collective faith, reminding us that even in modern times, ancient traditions continue to illuminate hearts and rivers alike.
Sources: Times of India, Aaj Tak, Jagran