Maha Kumbh: 15,000 workers join forces in massive cleanliness drive, aiming for a world record

Prayagraj Witnesses Historic Cleanliness Drive as 15,000 Workers Unite for Maha Kumbh Preparations

In an unprecedented show of unity and dedication, more than 15,000 sanitation workers, volunteers, and devotees transformed the banks of the sacred Sangam into a hive of activity during a massive cleanliness campaign on Sunday. The monumental effort, organized in preparation for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, not only aims to create a pristine environment for the anticipated 50 million pilgrims but also seeks to etch its name in the record books as the world's largest cleanliness drive.  

From the first light of dawn, an army of determined individuals armed with brooms, garbage bags, and recycling bins meticulously scoured every inch of the 32-square-kilometer Kumbh area. Their mission: to remove plastic waste, religious offerings, and debris that had accumulated along the ghats and temporary tent cities. The initiative, spearheaded by the Prayagraj Mela Authority in partnership with environmental NGOs and local religious organizations, saw participation from all walks of life – enthusiastic students, devoted homemakers, and even elderly pilgrims who viewed the cleanup as an act of spiritual significance.  

Among the sea of volunteers was 65-year-old Shanti Devi, who traveled all the way from Varanasi to participate. "Cleaning Mother Ganga is as sacred as taking a dip in her waters," she said, her hands busy separating recyclables from waste. "If we seek blessings from these holy rivers, we must first show them our respect through action." Her sentiment echoed throughout the gathering, where many saw the cleanup as both a civic duty and a spiritual obligation.  

The drive represents more than just a pre-festival cleanup – it marks a significant shift toward sustainable practices for the Maha Kumbh. Organizers distributed over 10,000 biodegradable plates and plant-based food containers during the event, part of a broader initiative to minimize plastic pollution. "Our vision is to achieve zero waste discharge into the river during the Kumbh," explained Mela Adhikari Vijay Anand. "To make this possible, we're installing 5,000 additional trash bins throughout the area and introducing AI-powered waste segregation systems to handle the massive influx of visitors."  

As the cleanup progressed, the energy remained palpable. Volunteers shared stories and snacks while working, transforming the mammoth task into a community celebration. Environmental activist Dr. Priya Singh, who helped coordinate the effort, noted, "This isn't just about breaking records – it's about awakening a collective environmental consciousness. The Kumbh has always been about unity, and now we're extending that unity to protect our planet."  

As twilight descended on the exhausted but satisfied volunteers, the cleanup culminated in a breathtaking display of 50,000 diyas (earthen lamps) crafted from recycled materials collected during the drive. The flickering lights along the riverbanks served as a powerful symbol of hope and renewal. For Prayagraj, this historic event represents more than just preparations for a religious gathering – it's the birth of a new tradition where spiritual devotion and environmental stewardship walk hand in hand, proving that faith can indeed move mountains of waste when a community comes together with a shared purpose.