Spiritual orator and motivational speaker Jaya Kishori has urged the youth to experience the Maha Kumbh at Sangam, emphasizing its power to bring “peace, happiness, and bliss.” In an exclusive interview with NDTV during Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, she described her “surreal” experience of taking her first dip in the Sangam. She expressed feeling “blessed” to perform the “Amrit Snan.”
Sharing her emotions, Ms. Kishori recalled feeling both nervous and excited before the Snan, but all tension faded as soon as she immersed herself. “You feel an inner calmness, a unique surge of positive energy,” she explained. “This is exactly what today’s youth are in search of.”
Discussing the quest for lasting happiness, she noted that young people yearn for “anand,” the deep joy described in scriptures, rather than fleeting pleasures. “If you seek that, attending spiritual events like this is essential,” she encouraged. “It’s a profound, enriching, and positive experience.”
Maha Kumbh, the largest human gathering on Earth, commenced on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. Occurring every 12 years, it draws millions for a sacred dip believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul. This year’s event is expected to welcome around 450 million visitors over 45 days.
Last October, Ms. Kishori faced criticism for carrying a custom Dior “Book Tote” priced at over ₹2 lakh. Known for her teachings on non-materialism and spiritual values, she addressed the controversy by discussing the balance between materialism and spirituality, using Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita as an example.
“Arjuna was never asked to renounce his kingdom but to fulfill his dharma by fighting. Similarly, a student’s dharma is to study. Earning money is not wrong—everyone works for it,” she explained. She further elaborated on the choice between grihastha (householder) and vairagya (detachment) after student life. “If you choose grihastha, materialism is part of life. Buying things isn’t wrong—it becomes a problem only when possessions control you. Financial prosperity can advance the nation, but spirituality should remain a constant.”
In March 2024, Ms. Kishori was honored with the ‘Best Creator Award for Social Change’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognized for her ability to harmonize spirituality with modernity.
