Not Just Spiritual: ‘Gen Z’ X ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’

Reels and posts often capture more attention than real-life experiences, and Gen Z has realised that. They found a way to merge their modern with the ancient. The Maha Kumbh Mela is now witnessing a rush of youngsters armed with smartphones exploring for self-discovery.

This is just the beginning. Let’s read more, as this fascinating ‘ Sangama ‘ of tradition and technology is the future of spirituality for the new Generations!

The Attraction Towards Spiritual Baths from Social Media BuzzThey’re not just attending for the spiritual baths or food; they’re there to create content, build a following, and discover a deeper sense of purpose. As social media is more than just a platform for selfies and lifestyle updates, youngsters are watching Maha Kumbh reels and shorts on social media and can’t resist the urge to create their videos. This led to many new influencers being born at the Kumbh Mela.

For these youngsters, it’s not just about spirituality but about sharing it with the world. But what draws them initially? The appeal of the free food stalls, or bhandaras, scattered throughout the Kumbh could also be the reason. It’s like a two-month-long food festival. Even honey chilli potatoes are served like this: a Zomato Food Fest. The street food culture attracts the sacred, which also attracts the younger crowd.

Gen Z is also fascinated by the figures who embody spirituality and modernity, like IIT Baba. His popularity is so immense that he receives thousands of messages from youngsters wanting to know how to meet him. IIT Baba, whose real name is Abhay Singh, is a former IIT-Bombay student turned spiritual seeker whose story of leaving a promising career for a life of asceticism has captured the imagination of many.

Social Media’s Role: The Maha Kumbh Mela Through the Lens of Influencers

The Maha Kumbh Mela has never been short of pilgrims, but in 2025, it is attracting more attention than ever. Influencers like Harsha Richhariya use their platforms to share glimpses of the Kumbh experience. Her reels, which celebrate the beauty of Sanatan Dharma and the spiritual gathering, are getting thousands of likes and comments.

Another influencer, Surya (@sunshineladki), famous for her solo travel posts, has shared multiple reels from the Kumbh, with one reel crossing over a million likes. Gen Z is paying attention and eager to participate in MahaKumbh’s digital revolution.

The shift makes it easy to assume that the primary draw for Gen Z at the Kumbh is just content creation. But the story often takes a different turn here. The youngsters come to make reels, but then they get a taste of the spirituality and leave with a very different experience. The charm of social media may bring them to the Kumbh, but many leave with a new understanding of spirituality that they didn’t expect. For many, the Kumbh offers a rare chance to reconnect with their roots, question life’s bigger meanings, and be a part of something far beyond the digital world.

The IIT Baba: A Modern-Day Techie Saint

Perhaps the most striking figure from the Kumbh is IIT Baba or Abhay Singh, a former aerospace engineer and IIT-Bombay alumnus. Singh’s transformation into a spiritual seeker has ignited curiosity and intense discussion among many. A viral video showcasing his life as an IIT student compared to his current persona has captured the attention of millions. It’s a video that has sparked reflection on the choices we make in life and the pursuit of true happiness.

Abhay Singh’s journey isn’t just about abandoning a successful career for spirituality but about searching for deeper knowledge and a connection with the universe. With close to 2 lakh followers on Instagram, he shares insights into the intersection of spirituality and modern science. He discusses artificial intelligence and quantum physics, relating them to ancient Indian wisdom. This blend of science and spirituality has made him a standout figure at the Kumbh, especially among the tech-savvy younger generation.

Maha Kumbh is a Global Spectacle

The 2025 Maha Kumbh is no longer just a spiritual event confined to the banks of the Ganga. It is now a global spectacle, intensified by the power of social media. Photos, videos, hashtags and whatnot are spreading across platforms, turning this age-old tradition into a modern meet-up. Pilgrims, influencers, and curious onlookers share their experiences, turning the Kumbh into a conversation worldwide.

The age of FOMO!

Social media is dictating our lives, and now it’s a space where Gen Z is curious about tradition, searching for answers in the online world that often feels disconnected.

This means that an entire generation is always looking at life through a digital window yet feels disconnected from reality. But Maha Kumbh 2025 is offering a powerful reminder that some experiences are too grand to be confined to screens. It’s a wake-up call that no Instagram post, likes, or perfectly edited reel can replace the thrill of real adventure. The Kumbh isn’t just a place for rituals; it’s for personal transformation, learning, and connecting with something greater than ourselves.