Study on Sensitivity and Stewardship of Pilgrims

towards the Environment for River Rejuvenation

during the Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj

Jala Utsavs for Resilient River Rejuvenation Models.

The Samskruti Foundation, A Culture guided Leadership and Public Policy Think Tank, proposes that river rejuvenation in Bharat can be achieved by harnessing the power of Samskritik Jala Utsavs (Ceremonial Water festivals). These Utsavs manifest as dharmik influence and operate through a cohesive network of nodes including pilgrims, spiritual leaders, thought leaders, and the socio political leadership. A pragmatic analysis of these networks can reveal opportunities to repurpose them to foster a more meaningful, sustainable, and resilient relationship between the river and society, ultimately resulting in resilient river rejuvenation model.

‣ The Urban Development, Urban Employment & Urban Poverty Alleviation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh sanctioned a research project to study on ‘River Rejuvenation’ during Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj.

‣ A team of experts under the chief patronage of Dr C Umamaheswara Rao, IAS Retired, headed by Dr Amaranadha Reddy Manchuri, Director (R&D) studing the Maha Kumbh to enquire the following: 

✓ Quest for the Key Stakeholders!

1. Could the Jala Utsavs serve as a platform for both spiritual cleansing and revitalisation of our rivers?

2. How can Jala Utsavs promote resilient ecological systems for overall wellbeing of the river society civilisation?

3. Can spiritual reverence for rivers inspire actions to conserve and rejuvenate them? 

4. How can we reinterpret and reimagine traditional elements to revitalise sacred rivers?