By Anja Jeremic, Serbia
Spending two months at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, from January 8th to March 3rd, was nothing short of life-changing. As a volunteer with the M-House Media Team, I had the privilege of coordinating daily activities, creating social media content, and producing the Kumbh Mela Diaries – Mohanji Village Highlights. But beyond that, I was witnessing history—the establishment of the first-ever Mohanji Village at Kumbh Mela. This was more than just another spiritual gathering; it was a defining moment for the Mohanji Foundation and Mohanji himself as a global spiritual leader and humanitarian. The scale, impact, and presence of our space at Kumbh Mela placed Mohanji’s mission on a whole new level, reaching countless seekers from around the world.
At first, I believed this Maha Kumbh Mela was special simply because it happens every 12 years. But when I learned that this was the Maha Maha Kumbh—an event that occurs only once every 144 years—the realization hit me with full force. I was standing in the middle of something so rare, so powerful, that even now, I struggle to grasp its true significance. How does one even begin to comprehend the magnitude of being present at an event that happens barely once in a lifetime? It felt like destiny had placed me here, in this sacred portal of transformation, to witness and experience something beyond human logic. This journey wasn’t just about being part of history—it was about surrendering to it, embracing it, and allowing it to reshape me from within.
The calling and the challenges
When I first heard about this opportunity in September 2024, I instantly knew—it was something I had to be part of. I had briefly experienced Kumbh Mela in 2019, but this was different. This was history in the making. The decision felt inevitable, but making it happen was a challenge. For the past year, I had stepped away from work, dedicating myself to healing from burnout and focusing on my spiritual and psychological well-being. I had no personal income and was financially dependent on my mother. The calling to be there was undeniable—if I got the opportunity to volunteer, I had to find a way to go. My mother’s support was crucial; she not only financed my trip but also provided the means for me to stay in India for two months, fully trusting and understanding how important this journey was for me.
Despite my excitement, the financial aspect weighed on me heavily. I was borrowing money that I knew I would have to repay. The responsibility and inner conflict that came with it made the journey feel even more intense. It wasn’t just about going; it was about honoring the trust placed in me and the opportunity given to me. In November, within just a few days, I arranged my visa, booked my flight, and prepared for what I knew would be a physically and emotionally demanding journey. But I also knew, without a doubt, that this was Mohanji’s blessing in action—his hand guiding the entire process. The depth of understanding and trust I received from my mother and from the way everything seamlessly unfolded was a clear sign that my desire to be there wasn’t just a wish but true eligibility, as Mohanji often says.
This realization gave me an even stronger push forward, but also a deep sense of responsibility—to make the most of my time at Kumbh Mela, not just for myself, but for my family and ancestors as well. From the moment I committed, I faced unexpected inner turbulence—irrational fears, doubts, and physical exhaustion. Even though this was my fourth trip to India, I felt a deep resistance. The conditions at Kumbh Mela— harsh weather, lack of comfort, and food that didn’t agree with me —challenged me even before I arrived.
Breaking through the struggles
I started my journey on Orthodox Christmas (January 7th)—a divine alignment I hadn’t planned. Within hours of arriving in Prayagraj, I was struck with fever, body aches, and exhaustion. As I pushed through, balancing work responsibilities and adapting to the environment, I found myself experiencing intense emotional and psychological breakdowns. It became clear to me that something deep was shifting—likely, the resistance I had been carrying within was now surfacing. Given my past experiences, I knew that whenever I prepared to embark on a journey with Mohanji or to an energetically powerful place, various psycho-physical challenges would emerge. But never had they manifested in such an intense and overwhelming way.
For two and a half weeks, I battled old fears, insecurities, deeply buried emotions, and physical discomfort. The unpredictable nature of our work, the constant pressure of deadlines, and the harsh conditions triggered deep-rooted patterns of control, perfectionism, and self-doubt. It was a mental, emotional, and physical storm that left me feeling raw and exposed. But amidst the turmoil, something remarkable began to unfold.
Stepping out of my comfort zone
This journey wasn’t just about external challenges—it was a profound inner growth.
• I overcame a major personal barrier—standing in front of a camera. Despite my usual self-criticism, I pushed through and even enjoyed the experience.
• I rediscovered my creativity, which had been buried under years of managerial work.
• I learned to let go of control, trust the process, and embrace the natural flow of life.
• I allowed myself to rest, honor my limits, and embrace flexibility—something I had struggled with before.
The Ganga ritual – A daily rebirth
On January 13th, the first major snan took place, but due to my period, I couldn’t participate. My first dip in the sacred Ganga River after arriving in India was on January 14th. That day, Mohanji was blessing everyone in the river, performing abhishek on all present with the holy Ganga water. That was my first immersion. On January 17th, I made a vow—a 41-day sankalpa to take a daily dip in the sacred Ganga, praying for the cleansing of karmic burdens, past life debts, ancestral debts, and for all those connected to me. Almost every day, I immersed myself more than 300 times, following cycles of 108 dips—for myself, for my Guru Mohanji, and for all those connected to me.
Before starting my sankalpa, I prayed deeply: if it was for my highest good to complete the 41 days, I asked not to get my period, as women on their cycle cannot immerse in the sacred river; and, if it was better for me to receive my period and not complete the sankalpa, I surrendered to the divine will. From January 11th, I didn’t get it again—and I was able to complete the full 41 days. This became my turning point.
Each time I immersed myself in the icy waters, a wave of renewal washed over me. The exhaustion, emotional struggles, and physical discomfort faded, replaced by a deep sense of lightness, strength, and joy. The transformation was undeniable—while waking up in the mornings felt like a struggle, after each dip, I felt completely reborn, filled with energy, clarity, and an overwhelming sense of childlike freedom and peace.
What made this journey even more powerful was that my 41st and final day of sankalpa unexpectedly fell on Mahashivaratri—a profoundly powerful night dedicated to Lord Shiva—which also marked the official last day of the Kumbh Mela. I hadn’t planned or calculated this, yet the alignment was perfect. On the morning of February 27th, after Mahashivaratri, I took my final dip, completing 42 consecutive days of immersion in the sacred Ganga. This experience was beyond a ritual—it was a complete inner transformation, a journey of surrender, trust, and profound spiritual renewal.
The magic of Mohanji Village
Living in Mohanji Village for two months was an incredible blessing. Only about thirty of us volunteers were part of this sacred space throughout the whole period of Kumbh Mela. The community, the presence of Mohanji (whether physical or energetic), and the Village’s high-frequency energy created an oasis of protection, serenity, and unwavering support amidst the chaos of Kumbh Mela.
Despite the hardships—sleeping in tents, shared toilets, endless dust, cold nights, and exhausting days—nothing mattered. The spiritual cocoon of Mohanji Village gave me something far more powerful: an unshakable inner stability that kept me grounded. I stepped outside the Village only a few times, each time feeling an overwhelming energetic contrast. The noise, crowds, dust, and intensity were a lot to take in. But every time I returned to Mohanji Village, stepping through those gates felt like a deep, calming breath. Relief, peace, a sense of home, and deep gratitude washed over me. In that space, no matter what was happening around me, the external chaos couldn’t touch the stillness within. It was there, in the simplicity and quiet, that I found stability, felt rooted, and connected more deeply to Mohanji’s energy and my own truth.
Serving through the lens – Volunteering for M-House Media
Although working in media production is my profession, volunteering for the M-House Media Team at Kumbh Mela was an entirely different experience. For the first time, our team gathered for an extended period to work together, and we had our own office, but the scale and significance of the project were what truly felt new and unknown, creating high expectations.
I knew I would be working alongside people I deeply respect and have known for years, however, many members of the team were new to me in a working capacity, which added an extra layer of uncertainty. I felt the pressure even before arriving. The workload was immense, and expectations were high—we were responsible for capturing and sharing the essence of Mohanji Village, bringing visibility to its sacred energy.
My mind went into overdrive, overthinking every possible challenge. But deep down, I knew that plans were almost meaningless here. Nothing could be structured too far ahead—everything unfolded from moment to moment. The camp was still being built as we arrived. Events were fluid, and schedules were unpredictable. Our job was to adapt, stay present, and surrender to the flow.
The first two weeks were a whirlwind, testing every pattern I had built over my 17 years in media production. Letting go of the structured approach I was used to and fully embracing the unpredictability of Kumbh Mela was one of the biggest personal challenges I faced. At times, it felt overwhelming. But as the days passed, our team evolved into a single, synchronized heartbeat. We brainstormed on the go, filmed daily episodes of Kumbh Mela Diaries and Mohanji Village Highlights, supported each other through mental and physical exhaustion, and found creative solutions in real time.
One of the biggest privileges was witnessing Kumbh Mela through multiple lenses—not just my own experience, but through the eyes of so many seekers. Working in the media team meant we weren’t just passive participants; we were given the sacred responsibility of capturing the essence of this grand spiritual gathering. We had access to every significant event and every powerful moment, ensuring that those who couldn’t physically attend could still feel the energy through our content and that those who visited Mohanji Village at Maha Kumbh would have lasting memories in the form of videos and photographs they could return to, reconnecting with this sacred space whenever they wish.
The most rewarding part of this entire journey was the feedback we received—people from around the world, unable to be there physically, shared that they could FEEL Kumbh Mela through our content. That, to me, was everything. Mohanji often reminded us, “Don’t just look with your eyes and senses; just feel Kumbh Mela, FEEL it.” Through our work, we were able to truly capture and share that feeling, letting others experience the essence of Kumbh Mela as if they were there with us. Through this experience, I realized that media is far more than just capturing moments—it is about transmitting energy, emotions, and experiences. And for that, I am deeply grateful to have been a part of this team, serving through the lens of offering people a window into the magic of Kumbh Mela.
Leaving without attachment
As the camp was dismantled and we prepared to leave, I was surprised to find that I felt no sadness, no nostalgia—only a profound sense of completion and gratitude. Mohanji Village had served its divine purpose, and I had received exactly what I needed. Now, even weeks after returning, the deep peace and stability I gained remain within me. Something profound has been shed—karmas, burdens, attachments—whatever it was, it is gone. And I hope it’s forever! I carry this lightness with me, knowing that Kumbh Mela was not just an experience; it was a sacred transformation.
I express my deepest gratitude to Mohanji and all the Masters of our Datta Tradition for this divine opportunity, as well as to all the volunteers and members of the Mohanji Foundation and Mohanji Family who made this journey possible. Every individual contributed to the sanctity of my time at Maha Kumbh Mela. With all my heart, I remain eternally grateful to my beloved Guru, Mohanji.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 20th April 2025
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