By Antonija Barišić, Croatia
I had the blessing and opportunity to be a part of the Kumbh Mela volunteer team from the very beginning until the end. I arrived on January 9th, 2025, and stayed until February 28th, 2025. Kumbh Mela was my first encounter with India! At first, I had no idea what to expect—none of us could have possibly predicted what awaited us. But from the very first moment, I felt a deep joy in my heart. I truly came without expectations. To be honest, I never dreamed I would become part of such a vast and monumental story, and I didn’t fully realize just how grand this experience was. It is something that will forever be beyond our comprehension.
In October, during my time as Mohanji’s PA in Montenegro, Mohanji told me that I should go to Kumbh Mela, to arrive in the first week of January and stay until the end. My heart immediately fluttered at the thought, as I truly had his blessing. It was only then that I began to understand what Kumbh Mela truly was, and I knew we were going to witness something incredible. I only knew that whatever volunteer task I was given, I would carry it out with full dedication. Somehow, everything just flowed naturally, and I didn’t worry about a thing. From the start, I knew we were in Mohanji’s hands, and there was no need for concern or overthinking. I wasn’t worried about whether we’d be sleeping in tents, whether there would be warm water, or if the food would suit me, or even about the people I’d be working with.
What I did know was that I was ready, and I would give my best, from the depths of my heart, to fulfill my duties as well as I could at any given moment. The first day we arrived, Mohanji Village wasn’t ready at all, so we spent our first night in accommodations, as the village wasn’t prepared. But Madhu told us the next day that we would move into Mohanji Village. Everything felt wonderful to me at that moment, as I had no idea how much the village would develop over time. Everything felt okay, and I accepted it all. On the second night, we all moved into the tents, which was a bit of a shock at first, but we settled in beautifully, like little kittens, and continued with great enthusiasm. The tents were nice, but it took some time for our minds to adjust to shared toilets, which weren’t as fancy as they would later become. On the day we arrived, they were still setting up doors, buckets, soaps, signs, fabrics, air fresheners, and warm water. It all came together little by little.
Every morning, when we woke up, Mohanji Village looked different, more beautiful, and unrecognizable. Workers set up tents, toilets, posters, lights, and everything else during the night. It was truly amazing to witness how, step by step, things were coming together, not just to stand but to rise into something grand. And ultimately, everything became comfortable and pleasant for all of us. Because if you stepped outside Mohanji Village for just a moment, you’d see what the tents were really like and realize how much we had from the very beginning to accommodate people.
My role was at the Registration desk. At first, we had literally nothing—just one table and chairs. But every day, our office started to take shape, and we ourselves were building it. The true magic of Kumbh Mela lay in teamwork and togetherness—working in the field of possibilities, asking for help when needed, and taking the initiative. I learned that if we didn’t take care of things by ourselves—like asking for shelves, an extra table, or a printer—things wouldn’t just appear on their own. Mohanji taught us to be true leaders and to take things into our own hands when the job needs to be done. Also, I learned that if you ask, it will be given, probably by Mamu.
The Registration desk was the first place people entered and the last place they passed when they left. We really put our hearts into making it as welcoming as possible. I believe everyone felt our warmth and joy because we were genuinely proud of ourselves each day as we transformed into real professionals. We were joking about starting Mohanji’s Hotels. (But after all these experiences, this is probably what our MCB will look like, hosted by thousands of people one day). Our office was the base of operations, and I must admit that the first month was intense. But as more people arrived, it became easier. We had already gelled as a team.
What deeply impressed me were our morning meetings, where Savi would remind us of why we were there. We were the chosen ones amidst a sea of applications, and Mohanji wanted us to transform. Every person who came was sent by the Tradition, and it was our duty to ensure their experience was exceptional. With deep gratitude, we started each day, each volunteer heading to their office to figure out what else was needed to make Mohanji Village better.
The entire growth of our team was a blessing. Of course, we had challenges, but we learned to express ourselves and listen to each other. Teamwork was paramount. We supported one another and made each day as easy as possible. I could write much more about the processes at the registration office. We constantly reminded each other that we were here to transform. We observed everything because it was all a reflection of us. And we were here because Mohanji had placed us there. Guided by that, nothing was too difficult, and when it was, we simply moved through it.
The Registration team worked from early morning to late at night, every second filled with kindness, presence, willpower, and passion for all 45 days. We had challenges because it was a non-stop running show, but Mohanji said, “How will you push your limits if it is not from morning till evening?” So that sentence reminded us okay, we are here to transform, and we are just instruments. When the mind is involved, it is hard to work, but the show is going and if you remind yourself that we are just instruments, then everything is easy. That, in short, is the magic of the volunteers’ duties in our registration office.
The first month was cold, but every morning, for the first two weeks, I went for a morning dip in the Ganges. I remember my first dip—it was truly cold—but Aarushi said, “Let’s do 108 dips,” with such enthusiasm that I didn’t even have time to think. I just said, “Thank you for pushing me when I can’t do it myself,” and she simply replied, “Jai Mohanji.” And so, every day, we did 108 dips. It wasn’t hard to get up and go to the Ganges. There was a fog, but the feeling afterwards was indescribable. It awoke something in us and guided us through the day. After the Ganges, we would attend the morning aarati, followed by sitting by the homa.
Some truly special moments for me were watching Baba’s temple and Baba’s arrival, raising the flag with Mohanji at the Mohanji Village, and actually, the very beginning was the sweetest for me, because there were fewer people back then, and somehow, we were all still fresh and we didn’t know how we will grow in all dimensions. When Mohanji arrived, his welcome was spectacular—flowers everywhere, and we all danced and celebrated joyfully. I honestly thought it was a dream.
Alongside MYC annadaan, Ammucare distributed food for lunch every day. Thousands of people were fed during the Kumbh Mela. It was truly incredible to spend so many days with Mohanji, listen to his satsangs, dip with him, and receive his blessings in the Ganges. The feeling after each dip in the Ganges was so liberating. You could literally feel the burdens melting away. Especially after the dips with Mohanji, there was an overwhelming sense of grace, peace, and ease. It felt as if I was being transformed every single day. Mother Ganga truly nurtures and heals, as if she is massaging every cell of your body. Your mind becomes calm after every dip. The feeling of surrender, of connection with nature, with oneself, the sense of support, as if you’re in a golden cloud full of love, tenderness, support, clarity, strength, and stability. That’s what it feels like to be with Mother Ganga.
I must admit, my family could feel all of this too at home. My sisters were simultaneously working with Mai-Tri practitioners who were at the Kumbh Mela, and a major family situation was resolved during this time. All of this was Mohanji’s blessing. Truly, everything I did dips for was being released from me—feelings of guilt, expectations, a sense of ownership. It was as if with each day, I had the opportunity to step into a new reality, letting go of burdens that no longer served me. The Ganges was cleansing everything.
What was particularly special to me was meeting all of my friends from MYC (Mohanji Youth Club). We were so active online but had never met before the Kumbh Mela. And now, we were all together in this beautiful experience with Mohanji. Thank you, Mohanji, for all the people I met and for bringing us together with such incredible support through MYC. MYC also started the evening annadaan every day, which was a truly special experience. In the first month, it was very cold, so we shared MYC hats with the children who came to the Mohanji Village every day. They would often say, “We came because it feels nice here.” We would dance with them, and every evening, we’d give them food, as Mohanji emphasized that no one should go hungry.
Watching Mohanji Village grow, seeing the various VIP guests come and go, satisfied, witnessing the processes, the beautiful program, the incredible kitchen, the team who deserved medals, and the special Ahimsa Vegan Cafe by Beejom, left an indelible impression. Watching M House Media volunteers professionally film and edit the Kumbh Mela Diaries was truly miraculous. We were all living Mohanji’s miracle together. Mohanji truly broke our boundaries in every direction during the Kumbh Mela. We grew so much, and seeing the volunteers at the beginning and their joy and ease at the end was simply incredible.
I would also like to mention the relationship with other workers who weren’t part of the M Family. At first, there was a noticeable difference; volunteers recognized the blessing of serving. But gradually, it was felt by every worker. We all became one family, working with such passion that nothing was too hard for any of us. I didn’t feel the need to wander around and explore other areas. I was so content in Mohanji Village because the energy there was so beautiful. Sometimes, before going to sleep, we joked, saying Mohanji put us in a bubble and was ironing us out, pushing us little by little beyond our limits. Every day felt like a day outside my comfort zone, yet it felt so natural and effortless.
But there was a blessing on the last day…
After the evening dip, Chai and I were heading back, and as we passed by the entrance to Mohanji Village, we saw the Beejom guys standing there, preparing to head to the Hanumanji Temple. We were blessed with the incredible opportunity to join them, as most people had already left. It felt as though everything was in perfect flow, and with such ease, we found ourselves walking into the Hanumanji Temple. On our way back, we stopped at Sangam, the sacred confluence of the three rivers—Yamuna, Saraswati, and Ganga. Sangam is considered one of the most spiritually significant spots in India, where these three rivers meet. The confluence of these rivers is considered a place of immense spiritual energy, where one can connect deeply with the divine. Standing there at Sangam felt like an alignment of our own desires and blessings, as if Mohanji was guiding us, ensuring our hearts’ wishes were fulfilled. Mohanji listens to our wishes, and when we least expect it, his grace makes everything possible. It felt like a perfect way to conclude our journey at the Kumbh Mela.
One day, Mohanji gave us chocolate and said, “This is for the Registration office.” After eating the chocolate, I got sick and spent four days in bed. I thought I wouldn’t be able to go on, but the cleansing was truly happening on every level. I went through various beliefs, feelings of loneliness, and many internal transformations. I can’t express how grateful I am for everything Mohanji cleared. Blessing after blessing, from start to finish.
At the very beginning, when there weren’t many people, almost just volunteers, we would sit by the fire, talk, and dance during aarati, or dance near the fire. Later, when there were more people, we became Mohanji’s soldiers, but so sweet and unified. Our focus was always on the purpose—what more can we do to make Mohanji Village even more beautiful?
Mohanji’s 60th birthday was a beautiful experience. Witnessing it, standing on stage with him, with MYC merchandise, was an eye-opening moment. It made me realize how each platform grows, how Mohanji’s family grows, and how together we contribute to the world. I saw all of this on Mohanji’s birthday. Love, unity, harmony, action, teamwork, joy, abundance, balance, support, laughter, acceptance…. Heaven on Earth is being near Mohanji.
Also, the great significance and highlight for me was cleaning the Ganges. From the very first day, watching how polluted the Mother Ganges was, with people leaving all sorts of things in it, created a small pain in my heart. The day we cleaned it remains deeply etched in my memory. I felt myself expand, and I felt a deeper connection to the Ganges, to the earth, and also to myself. In just 15 minutes, we were able to clean so much, let alone what we achieved after an hour. We also saw how it inspired others to do the same, realizing how each small action truly has a massive impact on Mother Earth.
I learned that when I serve, I feel fulfilled.
I learned that nothing is too difficult when the purpose is clear.
I learned at Kumbh Mela that acceptance is the most important thing.
The show goes on, watching how Mohanji Village grows every day—literally, without knowing how—is a sign that we are just instruments. If we are available, things are easier. If we let go of the mind and ego, and allow ourselves to move through everything the day brings, transformation happens. Every volunteer had the opportunity to give their best and show what we can accomplish together. Mohanji continuously demonstrated during the Kumbh Mela that whenever drama arises, simply smile—it will pass, and the show goes on. We are merely instruments in this grand symphony of life.
I learned that everything is transient, watching Mohanji Village grow from start (almost from “nothing”), and eventually, how it all dissolves back into nothing. I learned not to be attached—to people, places, or situations. I learned that we can achieve anything, and Mohanji has so deeply encouraged us, leaving us forever supported. His presence was felt in every person, in every volunteer. Whenever I wished for something or had a thought, somehow, Mohanji would send a person through whom everything would materialize—whether it was healing, something I desired to eat, or simply an answer to a question I had in my mind.
Mohanji showed us that he is in each of us, because we are Mohanji. He showed us that every little detail has great significance in the world. Support, love, unity. Mohanji has blessed us so deeply; the impressions are still settling within me. Thank you, Mohanji, for your boundless love and support. It was incredible to witness something like this. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this journey together.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 18th May 2025
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Mohanji Testimonials team