Snaan and Gone: A Soaked Saga of the Mahakumbh

The Mahakumbh—the world’s largest human gathering—has once again captured headlines, drawing millions to the Sangam, the fabled meeting point of three rivers. As the faithful take their holy dips, seeking absolution for lifetimes of misdeeds, the city of Prayagraj heaves under the weight of belief, devotion, and logistical chaos.

But is a quick snaan really the ultimate cosmic reset button? And beyond the pursuit of purified souls, what else does Kumbh reveal? A living mandala, a mythic battleground, a grand collision of the ancient and the absurd—this festival is more than just a riverbank full of redemption seekers.

In this episode of 'Don't Run Into Glass' - to unravel the layers of Kumbh's madness and meaning, we turn to Nick Brooker, founder of Indogenius, a Brit who’s been living in India for decades, has attended three Kumbhs, and taken six holy dips—all in the name of curiosity (or was it karma?).

And where’s Gayeti in this great pilgrimage? Struck down—not by celestial reckoning, but by the flu. So it’s just Anica this time, deep-diving with Nick while Gayeti contemplates whether a bucket bath might have been just as effective.