The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual events in the world, is scheduled to begin in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 13 and will run until February 26. Held once every 12 years, the Purna Kumbh Mela attracts millions of devotees from across India and around the world. This festival is a celebration of devotion, tradition, and spirituality.
While all devotees are equal before the higher power, some have gained particular attention online due to their distinctive characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at some of them and explore what makes them stand out.
# Ambassador BabaHailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Ambassador Baba has captured the hearts of many online. Mahant Rajgiri Naga Baba has been traveling in a vintage 1972 Ambassador car for 35 years. He consistently arrives at the Kumbh Mela in his Ambassador, earning him the nickname Ambassador Baba. Baba lives, sleeps, and even eats in his car.
# Baba MokshpuriBaba Mokshpuri, formerly known as Michael, is a US Army veteran from New Mexico who has gained widespread attention. According to a report by The New Indian Express, his spiritual journey began in 2000 when he visited India with his family, seeking peace and guidance after the tragic loss of his son. This tragedy led him to embrace Sanatan Dharma in search of Moksha, or ultimate salvation.
# Environment BabaEnvironment Baba, or Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Aruna Giri, is another figure whose arrival at the Mahakumbh Mela caused a stir. In August 2016, he distributed 27 lakh plants from Vaishno Devi to Kanyakumari. Since then, he has encouraged his followers to plant two trees—one for final rites and one Peepal tree for oxygen. Speaking to ANI, he said, I have performed 82 rituals so far. Devotees from nearly 30 countries have committed to planting over 1 crore trees in India. During a march from Vaishnodevi to Kanyakumari in 2016, we planted trees across 27 states. That's when devotees began calling me Environment Baba.
# Rabri BabaShri Mahant Devgiri of Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, affectionately known as Rabri Baba, has gained admiration for his selfless service to the devotees attending the Mela. Rabri Baba told ANI, “The Kadhai is set up at 8:00 in the morning, but before that, I complete my daily routine, including bathing, meditation, and prayers. I perform my worship in the morning, just as you do. It's not for publicity but a matter of the soul connecting to the Supreme Being and the ultimate throne.”
# Chai Wale BabaA former chaiwala turned monk, Chai Wale Baba has become known for providing free coaching to students preparing for the civil services. However, with a twist: Baba neither speaks nor eats. He has taken a vow of silence and abstains from eating, surviving on 10 cups of chai daily, while teaching students through WhatsApp.
# Computer BabaDas Tyagi, affectionately known as Computer Baba, is a unique figure at the Kumbh Mela, celebrated for his love of gadgets and technology. The nickname was given to him by a saint in Narsinghpur in 1998, reflecting his fascination with technology. True to his name, he is often seen with a laptop and enjoys watching cartoons on it.
# Rudraksha BabaRudraksha Baba is recognized for his distinctive appearance, sporting a necklace of 108 strands of Rudraksha beads, which together total an impressive 11,000 beads and weigh about 30 kilograms. This unique adornment has earned him the title of Rudraksha Baba.