Man Dips Photos at Mahakumbh for ₹1,100, Internet Calls it ‘Gajab Topibaz’
Online reactions to a man's 'digital snan' service for devotees unable to attend in person at Mahakumbh 2025 have been mixed.
For those who are unable to attend in person, an unexpected service has emerged as the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 draws an estimated 550 million devotees who will take a dip in the holy confluence rivers the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati. On behalf of devotees, a local businessman is providing a "digital snan" (holy dip) service in which he gathers photos given via WhatsApp and submerges them in the Sangam. The price of this symbolic ceremony is ₹1,100 per person.
On social media, a video of a Prayagraj-based guy showcasing his unique business went viral. Many others expressed their disapproval of the idea in the comments section, suggesting that not everyone liked it.
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The internet responded to the video in a variety of ways. "You are making fun of your Sanatan dharma. Do you feel ashamed?" a user asked.
According to one user, "China has DeepSeek, so what we have is DeepSnaan." "Ram Naam Ki Loot Hai, Loot Sake To Loot," said another commenter. The statement "Anth Kaal Pachhtayega Jab Praan Jayenge Chhoot" expresses doubt on the commercialisation of religious activities. Similar opinions were expressed by many, who called the ceremony "Andhbhakti" (blind faith). Another user said, "Gajab topibaz hai."
An earlier similar business proposal received a lot of attention after Harsh Goenka, an industrialist, posted a booklet about the service on social media with the remark, "Salvation now available on WhatsApp."
The Mahakumbh
The largest spiritual and cultural event in the world, the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, began on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025) and is scheduled to end on February 26. According to the administration, over the last 20 days starting on January 26th, an average of over a crore devotees have been taking daily dips in the Triveni Sangam, a pattern never seen in the Kumbh Mela's history.
The official estimate of 40 to 45 crore bathers has been surpassed by 10%, with a total of 52.96 crore bathers. Devotees continued to pour in despite the crush on Mauni Amavasya, according to a daily foot traffic analysis since the Mahakumbh Mela began. 1.36 crore pilgrims have dipped in the Triveni Sangam by 6 PM on Sunday, and the number of visitors is still growing.
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