Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), January 5: The Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj draws devotees and seers from all over the world, and among them is Angela, whose spiritual journey from Italy to India has been transformative. Thirty years ago, Angela arrived in India, captivated by the spiritual practices of Sanatan Dharma. Over the years, she embraced Hinduism fully, becoming a dedicated member of the Atal Akhada and a fervent advocate of Hindutva.
Today, Angela, now known as Anjana Giri, is working on a special bag for her Guruji, which will be used in the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025. In an interview with ANI, she shared her deep admiration for Indian culture, saying, “The ancient culture of India is the best. This (Sanatana) is the philosophy of living. Indian philosophy says that you are God, and God is inside you. You are a part of God.”
Having immersed herself in India’s culture and spirituality for three decades, Anjana Giri invited the world to join her at the Maha Kumbh Mela, calling it “a big ‘mela’ filled with energy and love. Everyone here is happy.”
Her devotion to Hinduism is reflected in her personal life as well. She named her 27-year-old son Mahesh, inspired by the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). Her son now works as a software engineer, proudly carrying the name as a symbol of his mother’s spiritual journey.
Many foreign devotees are also arriving at the “Kriyayoga Ashram and Research Institute of Swami Yogi Satyam” camp at the Mahakumbh to participate in yoga classes. Swami Bhavanand, a Brazilian Kriya Yoga trainer at the ashram, spoke about the deep connection between Kriya Yoga and the Kumbh Mela. “I realized that Kriya Yoga and the Kumbh Mela are one,” he said, recalling his first visit to India in 2007 during the Ardha Kumbh Mela. “When I met Guruji and practiced Kriya Yoga, I found peace and joy. Kriya Yoga is a complete science that unites all spiritualities and religions.”
The Mahakumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, is set to begin on January 13 and will conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj. The key bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snan (royal baths), are scheduled for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).